East African Community to Deploy Regional Force to Address Crisis in Eastern DRC

The East African Community (EAC) is considering deploying a regional force to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to address the ongoing crisis. The crisis has been fueled by the M23 armed group, which has been accused of causing chaos in the provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu. The DRC has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, leading to a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

The tension between the DRC and Rwanda escalated recently, with the DRC expelling Rwandan ambassador Vincent Karega and recalling its chargé d'affaires to Rwanda. Thousands of protesters in Goma, capital of North Kivu, demonstrated against Rwanda, armed with stones and sticks. The EAC, led by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, has convened a meeting of defense chiefs from member states to discuss a coordinated response to the crisis.

The meeting, which aims to take place soon, will study the parameters of a durable and concerted response, followed by an extraordinary summit of heads of state. Ndayishimiye has sent an emissary, Lieutenant General Silas Ntigurirwa, to consult with his Congolese counterpart. The EAC's move is seen as an effort to address the crisis, which has resulted in significant human suffering and displacement.

The crisis in eastern DRC has been ongoing for years, with various armed groups vying for control. The M23, which was formed in 2012, has been accused of committing human rights abuses and displacing thousands of civilians. The international community has expressed concern over the crisis, with the UN Secretary-General calling for a peaceful resolution.

The deployment of a regional force by the EAC could mark a significant development in efforts to address the crisis. The force is expected to work with local authorities to stabilize the region and create an environment conducive to dialogue and peacebuilding. Details of the force, including its size and composition, are yet to be announced.

The EAC's efforts to address the crisis come as the DRC and Rwanda engage in a war of words. The two countries have traded accusations, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 and Rwanda accusing the DRC of failing to address its own security challenges. The situation remains volatile, with concerns over the potential for further escalation.

The international community is watching the developments closely, with the African Union and other regional organizations calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The deployment of a regional force by the EAC could help to reduce tensions and create an environment conducive to dialogue and peacebuilding.

Key points

• The East African Community plans to deploy a regional force to eastern DRC to address the ongoing crisis fueled by the M23 armed group.
• The crisis has resulted in significant human suffering and displacement, with thousands of civilians affected.
• The deployment of a regional force could mark a significant development in efforts to address the crisis and stabilize the region.