East Africa Community (EAC) Ministers of Defence met in Nairobi today to consider the progress of the East Africa Community Regional Force – Democratic Republic of Congo (EACRF – DRC)
During the meeting, the EAC Ministers acknowledged that significant progress had been made by the Regional Force towards supporting FARDC in maintenance of law and order, opening up of main supply routes, facilitating access to humanitarian aid, the observance of a ceasefire between warring parties and the return to normalcy in some areas.
Further to this, the Ministers noted that insecurity continues in areas where withdrawal has not been achieved, exercabating humanitarian situations.
Accordingly, the Ministers were in support of the Regional Force to remain focused on its mandate to support DRC.
Speaking at the event Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale acknowledged that DRC is a key strategic partner, adding that regional peace and stability is key for socioeconomic development.
The Chairperson of EAC Defence Ministers, who is also the Minister of National Defence and War Veterans Hon. Eng. Alain Tribert acknowledged the report of the EAC CDFs meeting, which provided recommendations that guided the Ministers’ meeting.
He noted that the outcome of the meeting shall go a long way in addressing the challenges faced by EACRF and guiding the next phase in restoring peace and security in Eastern DRC.
The Ministers and CDFs present were drawn from Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan Tanzania, and Uganda.
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