The Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) from the East African Community (EAC) Member States convened on Friday in Nairobi to address the escalating security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The high-level meeting was held following a directive issued during the joint EAC-Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit earlier this month in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
In preparation for the meeting, the EAC Defence Experts Working Group held preliminary discussions to outline key priorities and strategies.
The military chiefs focused on critical directives, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations, opening of main supply routes to facilitate aid delivery, development of a comprehensive securitization plan for Goma and surrounding areas, immediate reopening of Goma Airport, and recommendations for other facilitative interventions to stabilize the region.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, acknowledged the historical nature of the Eastern DRC conflict, tracing its roots back to colonial times when arbitrary borders were drawn.
Gen Kainerugaba emphasized the need for honest dialogue among conflicting parties to achieve sustainable peace.
General Charles Kahariri, Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chairman of the meeting, underscored the urgency of addressing the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a final report, which includes actionable recommendations to be presented to the EAC Council of Ministers for further deliberation and implementation.
The recommendations from the military chiefs are expected to guide regional and international efforts to stabilize the area and support affected populations.
The EAC Council of Ministers is set to review the report and determine the next steps in the regional response to the crisis.
