NAIROBI, Kenya – The Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) from the East African Community (EAC) Member States have convened in Nairobi to address the escalating security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The high-level meeting was held following a directive issued during the joint EAC-Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit earlier this month in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In preparation for the meeting, the EAC Defence Experts Working Group held preliminary discussions to outline key priorities and strategies.
Which directives guided the EAC CDFs’ meeting?
The military chiefs focused on critical directives, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations, and opening of main supply routes to facilitate aid delivery.
Other directives included the development of a comprehensive securitisation plan for Goma and surrounding areas, the immediate reopening of Goma Airport, and recommendations for other facilitative interventions to stabilise the region.
The Chiefs of Defence of the EAC member States have just concluded, in Nairobi, deliberations on the Security Situation in E/DRC. Their conclusions will inform the joint EAC/SADC meeting of CDF/Ss scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam on 24 February 2025, as instructed by…
In her opening remarks, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva emphasised that the Nairobi Process is the key mechanism for supporting the DRC government and its citizens.
While acknowledging the challenges therein, she expressed optimism that lasting peace, security, and stability could be achieved through ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.
“The community is committed to resolving the conflict in the eastern DRC, and we rely on you, the experts in defence and security. I am confident that you will provide the necessary steps that will ultimately lead to a solution,” Nduva stated.
What did Kenya’s CDF, Charles Kahariri, say
The chairman of the meeting, General Charles Kahariri, Kenya’s Chief of the Defence Forces, stressed the urgency of addressing the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in DRC.
He called for collective strategies and decisive actions to tackle the situation.
“Our collective resolve and collaborative spirit during these deliberations reflect the strength and unity of the East African Community in pursuing regional peace and stability. I commend you all for your thorough analysis and actionable recommendations, which have significantly influenced our strategic decisions,” General Kahariri concluded.
The CDF, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, arrived in Nairobi this morning to attend a high-level meeting of East African Community (EAC) military chiefs. The gathering aims to address the escalating crisis in the eastern DRC, where ongoing conflict has threatened regional security.…
On his part, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, acknowledged the historical nature of the eastern DRC conflict, tracing its roots back to colonial times when arbitrary borders were drawn.
How the EAC CDFs’ meeting on eastern DRC ended
General Kainerugaba emphasised the need for honest dialogue among conflicting parties to achieve sustainable peace.
The Friday, February 21, 2025, meeting concluded with the signing of a final report, which includes actionable recommendations to be presented to the EAC Council of Ministers for further deliberation and implementation.
The recommendations from the military chiefs are expected to guide regional and international efforts to stabilise the area and support affected populations.
The EAC Council of Ministers is set to review the report and determine the next steps in the regional response to the crisis.
