Summary:

• The East African Community peacekeeping force is set to withdraw from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after December 8, with the mission to be taken over by the Southern African Development Community forces; however, East African leaders express commitment to continue contributing to peace efforts in the troubled region.

The peacekeeping force of the East African Community is set to withdraw from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after December 8, according to the announcement made by the heads of state. Despite not completely resolving the conflict, Kinshasa has decided not to extend the term of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF). The Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces will take over the mission.

Despite the withdrawal, East African leaders emphasize their commitment to remaining actively involved in the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the troubled eastern region of the Congo. This commitment is driven by the importance of stability and shared prosperity within the region.

During the 23rd Heads of State Summit in Arusha, Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, while handing over the leadership of the bloc to South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, expressed concerns about the continuing conflict in the DRC. He highlighted the significant risks it poses to the region, especially for neighboring countries.

President Ndayishimiye credited the presence of the EACRF for bringing a semblance of peace to the troubled regions of the DRC. However, he acknowledged the challenges and the need for mutual efforts to sustain peace.

Despite the deployment of EACRF troops, there has been dissatisfaction among residents and the government in the troubled regions, leading to persistent protests calling for the exit of peacekeepers.

Tensions have also arisen between Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, with accusations against Kigali for allegedly supporting rebels causing chaos in the east.

President Ndayishimiye emphasized the necessity for the region to take all possible measures to end the war. An “appropriate mechanism” is proposed, involving a meeting between the chiefs of defence forces from the EAC and SADC. The heads of state have ordered this meeting to take place before December 8, coinciding with the departure of the EACRF from the DRC.

Peter Mathuki, the Secretary-General of the EAC, stated that the summit has agreed for the Chiefs of Defence Forces to submit their recommendations on the way forward to the defense ministers, who will then transmit them to the summit for consideration.