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The Foreign Affairs ministers of East African Community (EAC) member states concluded their retreat with a strong commitment to address the escalating humanitarian and security challenges in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This commitment aligns with directives from the 23rd EAC Summit, aimed at enhancing regional stability and integration initiatives.
During the retreat, which wrapped up yesterday in Zanzibar, the ministers deliberated extensively on the current status of peace, security, and interstate relations within the EAC. They acknowledged the fragile humanitarian truce facilitated by the United States and called for its indefinite extension to ensure sustained peace in the region
Veronica Nduva, EAC Secretary General, emphasized in a joint statement that sustainable peace and security in the region are contingent upon a robust political process. She highlighted that the recent initiatives, including the deployment of the EAC Regional Force, have shown promising results in stabilizing the Eastern DRC despite the complex challenges on the ground
The peacekeeping mission, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta as Kenya’s peace envoy, has been instrumental in facilitating ceasefires and securing key supply routes in conflict-prone areas.
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The mission’s efforts have enabled the gradual return of internally displaced persons and increased humanitarian activities in collaboration with organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Food Programme
The EAC ministers reiterated the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines military and diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. This includes tackling the involvement of multiple armed groups and addressing the political and economic interests of neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi
While significant progress has been made, the path to lasting peace remains challenging. The ministers called for continued international support and cooperation to ensure the success of ongoing peace initiatives and to build a secure and prosperous future for the Eastern DRC and the entire EAC region
This commitment marks a significant step towards addressing one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts, reflecting the EAC’s determination to foster peace and stability in the region.
