EAC ministers call for indefinite extension of humanitarian truce in the Eastern DRC

Dar es Salaam. The East African Community (EAC) Ministerial Retreat on Peace and Security, Partner States Relations, and Integration Process has expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian and security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The ministers recommended the need to institutionalise peace support operations in the EAC, the expeditious conclusion of the EAC Mutual Defence Pact, and the operationalization of the EAC Council of Ministers on Peace and Security for timely guidance on peace and security matters.

They also noted the state of interstate relations and their adverse impact on the integration agenda, encouraging partner states to use existing frameworks to address interstate disputes.

“Rwanda and DRC ministers have agreed to meet as soon as possible within the framework of the Luanda Process, while Rwanda and Burundi ministers have agreed to meet on October 31, 2024, to discuss outstanding bilateral issues,” reads part of the deliberations documented on the EAC Weekly Highlights.

During the meeting, the regional bloc ministers discussed constraints related to community funding and arrears, recommending that they be paid as soon as possible by partner states.

“The ministers deliberated on a sustainable funding mechanism for the community and recommended that it be considered at a joint meeting of Ministers of Finance, EAC, and Foreign Affairs to explore additional funding options,” reads another part.

They also acknowledged the urgency of completing the process of amending the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC and reporting to the Summit accordingly, and the ministers agreed to expedite amendments to decision-making processes and rules of procedure.

The ministers issued the above recommendations following the Ministerial Retreat on Peace and Security, Partner States Relations, and Integration Process organised by the EAC Secretariat and held in the auspicious Islands of Zanzibar between July 6, 2024, and July 8, this year.

The EAC Ministerial Retreat brought together partner states’ ministers of foreign and EAC affairs to discuss critical issues affecting the region.

It also provided a unique opportunity for the ministers to engage in thoughtful discussions, share insights, and collectively strategize on ways to foster sustainable peace, enhance security cooperation, strengthen relationships among partner states, and move forward the integration agenda.

Regarding the situation in the DRC, the Ministerial Retreat appreciated the humanitarian truce negotiated by the US government and recommended its indefinite extension.

“The Ministers acknowledged that sustainable peace and security in Eastern DRC requires a political process and recommended convening a summit of EAC Heads of State to revitalise the EAC-led Nairobi Process in coordination with the Luanda Process,” the regional body’s report reads.

EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva reiterated that as the bloc continues to navigate evolving challenges and opportunities, the retreat’s outcomes will guide future initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and shared prosperity and stability across the region.

“I wish to reiterate my message at the recently ended 45th Ordinary Council on the importance of peace and stability in fostering the social, economic, and political integration of our region,” Ms Nduva was quoted as saying.

She said it is only through cooperation and commitment to dialogue that the region can overcome peace and security challenges, calling on partner states to work together and strengthen regional security mechanisms, promote conflict resolution, and foster a culture of peace within the community.

The Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr January Makamba, emphasised the importance of unity among the partner states, saying it was a catalyst for the region’s economic and social development.

“The integration can only succeed if peace, stability, and security are established throughout the region,” he told the Ministerial Retreat.

He said the summit directed the ministers to facilitate the implementation of the four pillars of integration: customs union, common market, monetary union, and political federation.

The conference was also attended by the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, Andrea Malueth; the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, Ms Annette Ssemuwemba; the Counsel to the Community, Dr Anthony Kafumbe; and other delegates from partner states.