DR Congo’s entry in EAC makes the militia menace a regional problem
People cross the DR Congo-Uganda border to seek refuge after clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 militia in Bunagana, 100km from the city of Goma in eastern DRC, on April 2, 2022. PHOTO | AFP
There are fears that a potentially conflicting competition between countries to capture large parts of the new market may in fact become a regional problem of insecurity.
The signing of the treaty by the DRC took place at a time North Kivu, in the east, was rocked by the M23 rebellion.
This rebel group, which arose 10 years ago resurfaced just as Kinshasa received approval to join the EAC.
By the time Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi signed the deed to formally join the East African Community, his people had already cited centuries of close ties, thanks to common languages and ethnic groups.
“We are similar people. I can speak in my local language and be understood in DRC. And [Rwanda President Paul] Kagame can speak Kinyarwanda and be understood in Rutshuru, DRC. We are a people who are linked. But above all, we have what Europe doesn’t: A common language, Swahili. Why can’t we use all this to work towards two goals: prosperity and sustainable security,” said Uganda President Yoweri Museveni in Nairobi at the signing.
