The East African Community (EAC) Heads of State summit not only focused on the ongoing war in Eastern DR Congo (RDC), but also addressed the severe consequences of the ongoing insecurity on the civilian population, particularly women and children who are most vulnerable. This concern was raised especially after the M23 rebels took control of Goma, causing significant loss of life among the population. The summit urged the RDC government to help return displaced people to normal life, including providing emergency assistance and respecting their rights.
EAC leaders also called for an immediate halt to the fighting and for peace talks involving all parties concerned, including M23, FDLR, and other armed groups involved in terrorist activities in the region. The summit emphasized that the RDC government must collaborate with regional partners, including SADC, to establish mechanisms for maintaining peace and addressing security issues that continue to affect the people of the region.
While the EAC leaders urged RDC to engage with armed groups to achieve peace, it became evident that the main challenge is providing security to the population and ending the ongoing conflict that continues to affect civilians in Eastern RDC. The Heads of State emphasized the need for urgent and sustainable peace talks that would not only help restore peace and security but also provide a path for rebuilding the country, particularly through regional cooperation between RDC, EAC, and SADC.
As M23 continues to control the city of Goma, the EAC leaders requested that the RDC government continue to seek ways to engage with the various armed groups to resolve security issues and protect the lives of civilians.
