Ministers of Foreign Affairs and East African Community (EAC) affairs from the region have urgently called for action to address the humanitarian and security crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Meeting in Zanzibar, the ministers expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, where more than 2.8 million people have been displaced. They appreciated the humanitarian truce negotiated by the United States and recommended that it be extended indefinitely.
Recognizing the necessity of a political process to achieve sustainable peace and security in Eastern DRC, the ministers recommended convening a summit of EAC Heads of State. This summit aims to revitalize the political track of the EAC-led Nairobi Process in coordination with the Luanda Process.
The ministers emphasized the need for institutionalizing peace support operations within the EAC. They called for the expeditious conclusion of the East African Community Mutual Defence Pact and the operationalization of the EAC Council of Ministers on Peace and Security.
Interstate relations and their impact on the EAC integration agenda were also significant topics of discussion. The ministers urged partner states to use existing frameworks within the EAC treaty to address disputes. In a positive move towards resolving such issues, ministers from Rwanda and the DRC agreed to meet under the Luanda Process framework. Additionally, Rwanda and Burundi will meet by 31st October, 2024, to discuss outstanding bilateral issues.
The ministers tackled the financial constraints facing the EAC community. Highlighting the need for timely payments of arrears, the ministers recommended exploring sustainable funding mechanisms at a joint meeting of Ministers of Finance, EAC, and Foreign Affairs.
Furthermore, the ministers acknowledged the urgency of amending the EAC Treaty to better facilitate the community’s establishment. They agreed to expedite amendments related to decision-making and procedural rules.
In a show of regional solidarity, the ministers commended the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the retreat and extended their best wishes to the people of Rwanda for peaceful elections.
This retreat underscored the EAC’s commitment to addressing regional challenges collectively, aiming to foster sustainable peace, security, and integration within the community.
