- Budgetary constraints are among the issues affecting plans to address the crisis.
- The security chiefs are strategising on how they will contain resurgent M23 rebels and other groups in eastern DRC.
Image: KDF
The East Africa Community Chiefs of Defence Forces met in Nairobi to address the peace and security challenges in Eastern DRC.
Officials said the aim of the February 9 meeting was to evaluate the efforts for the restoration of peace and security in Eastern DRC.
The delegation also agreed on the deployment of EACRF to areas earmarked for M23 phased withdrawal, and the protection of civilians in areas vacated by M23.
Chairperson and Chief of the Defence Force Burundi, Gen Prime Niyongabo expressed hope that the deliberations of the meeting will contribute towards creating lasting peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
He also appreciated the extensive and fruitful deliberations by the participants that contributed to the fulfillment of the Directive by the EAC Heads of State.
He said he was optimistic that the deployment of the remaining East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) contingent will be expedited to enable the regional force deliver on its mandate.
Present were EAC Secretariat, Senior Officers, and other invited guests.
Budgetary constraints are among the issues affecting plans to address the crisis.
The meeting brought together delegates from seven partner states that include Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The security chiefs are strategising on how they will contain resurgent M23 rebels and other groups in eastern DRC.
This comes amid ongoing protests in Goma by locals against the regional force, East African Community Regional Force accusing them of siding with M23.
During the Bujumbura meeting, President William Ruto called on leaders from the EAC to urgently address the conflict in DRC.
He said the situation remains fluid as civilians bear the brunt of the conflict.
So dire is the state of affairs that Ruto said at least 27 million people are in acute need of humanitarian aid.
Ruto called for the immediate convening of the Nairobi-IV session of the Inter-Congolese Consultations as a follow up on Nairobi-III.