The Seven Heads of State representing countries that are members of the East African Community have called for armistice in the ongoing conflicts affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The EAC Presidents were addressing the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the North and South Kivu as well as Ituri Provinces the six Heads
The Heads of State have called for immediate ceasefire to be enforced and cessation of hostilities should commence immediately, including withdrawal from recently taken positions.
In his capacity as the Chairperson of the East African Community, Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta convened a septet Summit and Third Conclave of the EAC Heads of State on the Peace and Security situation in the Eastern Part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Conclave was attended by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi and Felix Tshisekedi the President of DR Congo.
Tanzania was represented by the country’s envoy to Nairobi, Ambassador Steven Simbachawene.
It started with a detailed brief on the military track, presented by the Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya, General Robert Kibochi, as the Chairman of the Committee of East African Community Chiefs of Defence Forces.
The Heads of State deliberated on the security situation in the eastern DRC and on measures to promote peace, stability and development in the eastern DRC and the greater east African region.
Affirming their commitment to contribute to reconciliation and lasting peace, they vowed to find a swift and lasting solution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the North and South Kivu as well as Ituri Provinces.
In attendance were the Chiefs of Defence Forces of all the seven EAC Partner States.
The brief defined the problem, highlighted the threat analysis, Concept of Operations (CONOPs), Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Rules of Engagement (ROE) and other legal and technical regulations to facilitate the operationalization of the Regional Force and its various operational arms.
The Heads of State accepted and adopted the CONOPS, SOFA and ROE as presented by the Chiefs of Defence Forces for immediate implementation, instructing that the Regional Force should in cooperation with the military and administrative forces of the DRC.
They also should seek to stabilize and secure the peace in the DRC.
The Regional Force should also cooperate in implementation of the disarmament and demobilization process.
The conclave agreed and reinforces that trust and confidence-building, cessation of hostilities, unconditional ceasefire, participation in the political processes in the country, prioritization and participation in the country’s development, citizenship, presence of foreign negative
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