Uganda’s Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen James Birungi, have joined regional counterpart in Harare, Zimbabwe, for a high-level council of ministers’ meeting.
It is aimed at addressing the escalating crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Maj Gen Birungi is representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The meeting, attended by representatives from 15 countries, brings together the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) in a bid to find a sustainable solution to the persistent insecurity in the region.
For decades, Eastern DRC has been plagued by violent conflict involving multiple armed groups, ethnic militias, and foreign-backed insurgents.
The region is rich in natural resources, including gold, coltan, and diamonds, but the competition over these resources has fueled instability. The crisis has led to widespread displacement, human rights abuses, and severe humanitarian conditions affecting millions of civilians.
Recent clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group, alongside ongoing activities of ADF militants, have intensified regional concerns. The conflict has also strained relations between Kinshasa and neighbouring countries, with accusations of foreign involvement exacerbating tensions.
Efforts by both SADC and EAC to deploy peacekeeping missions and broker ceasefire agreements have yielded limited success, necessitating further dialogue and coordinated intervention.
There were meetings by the expert working group, followed by the Chiefs of Defence Forces in the different regional and later the East African Community (EAC) , South African, Development Cooperation (SADC) meeting of CDF.
Meanwhile, ministers from SADC and East African countries are also meeting to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
In attendance are ministers, CDFs and other officials.
Ministers and CDF from both SADC and EAC are expected to deliberate on practical solutions, including military cooperation, economic support, and political mediation efforts.
The meeting seeks to establish a unified regional stance to stabilize the Eastern DRC and mitigate the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
