Written By |
Defense chiefs from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Search
By Our Reporter
Dar es Salaam
Defense chiefs from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting followed an earlier session of EAC military chiefs in Nairobi last week, underscoring sustained regional efforts to stabilize the volatile region.
Maj. Gen. James Birungi represented CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba
Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, was represented by Maj. Gen. James Birungi, the Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security. Other defense chiefs in attendance included Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya of South Africa, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga of Rwanda, Gen. Charles Kahiriri of Kenya, and Gen. John Mkunda of Tanzania. Representatives from Zimbabwe, Zambia, the DRC, South Sudan, Malawi, and other EAC and SADC member states also participated. The summit concluded with the signing of a joint proposal, which will be presented to the EAC and SADC councils of ministers for further review. The ministers are expected to refine the proposal before submitting it to the heads of state for final approval and implementation.
The meeting highlighted a coordinated regional approach to resolving the crisis, with a focus on military and political strategies aimed at restoring stability in eastern DRC.
Background
The Nairobi and Dar es Salaam meetings were held in response to a directive issued by the joint EAC-SADC Heads of State Summit earlier this month in Dar es Salaam.
The defense chiefs addressed key directives, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, humanitarian assistance for affected populations, the opening of main supply routes for aid delivery, the development of a securitization plan for Goma and surrounding areas, the immediate reopening of Goma Airport, and recommendations for other interventions to stabilize the region.
Eastern DRC has long been plagued by armed conflict and ethnic tensions. In recent weeks, the M23 rebels have intensified hostilities, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, escalating the need for urgent regional intervention.
Torch Media Africa
