Arusha, Tanzania | THE BLACK EXAMINER | What comes next as the mandate of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) nears expiration? The DRC government is firm in its decision not to extend the force’s mandate, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the M23 rebel group.
During the recent EAC Heads of State summit, it was affirmed that the EACRF’s mandate would conclude on December 8th. Acknowledging the urgency for peace, the leaders directed regional military chiefs to convene and discuss the ongoing conflict further.
In a communique issued after the high-level meeting, it was emphasized that the DRC would not extend the EACRF’s mandate beyond the specified date. The presidents of the EAC partner states, now eight with the inclusion of Somalia, emphasized the necessity for a new approach to achieve peace.
The military chiefs were tasked with engaging Southern African Development Community (Sadc) member states on the matter. A meeting before December 8th, the expiry date of the EACRF mandate in eastern Congo, was instructed. Following this meeting, the military chiefs are to submit recommendations to the defence ministers of Sadc countries, who will then relay them to the next EAC Heads of State summit for consideration.
Sadc, comprising 16 nations, has recently announced plans to deploy troops to the conflict-ridden region in eastern Congo for peacekeeping. Notably, both the DRC and Tanzania are members of Sadc.
The EACRF, composed of troops from Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, and Uganda, was deployed in November last year with the primary mission of overseeing the withdrawal of the M23 rebels in the North Kivu region. However, disagreements arose when the DRC government urged the force to combat the M23, accused of receiving support from Rwanda, a claim that Kigali denies.
Eastern DRC has long been a battleground for armed conflicts involving numerous groups since the 1990s, drawing in neighboring countries. Despite various interventions, including the UN’s extensive peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), the region continues to face challenges.
While the EAC secretariat defends the regional force, stating its positive impact on peace and stability, the situation remains complex. The imminent withdrawal of the UN mission and Sadc’s plans to deploy troops add layers to the ongoing efforts to address the longstanding conflict in eastern Congo.
