By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
EAC REPORT
The 20th extraordinary summit of the East African Community (EAC) heads of state sitting inbBurundi capital Bujjumbura, on Saturday resolved that all troop contributing countries to the EA Regional Force, deploy troops to the Eastern DRC to helpnto bring peace in the region.
“The summit has directed all troop contributing countries to immediately deploy, and urged the DRC to immediately facilitate the deployment of troops from the Republic of S.Sudan and Uganda to the East African Regional Force,” read excerpts of the joint communique.
It should be recalled that Burundi was the first EAC member state to deploy troops in South Kivu to hunt down Red Tabara rebels who have been attacking settlements in Burundi. Kenya later deployed over 900 troops in Goma, North Kivu.
South Sudan and Uganda were supposed to send troops in DRC last year but this did not happen. Reports indicate that they are yet to deploy.
The Deputy Chief of Defense Forces for Uganda Gen. Peter Elweru said that the UPDF is ready to deploy troops in the Eastern DRC to fight M23 rebels
The heads of state also directed for immediate ceasefire by all parties, withdrawal including all foreign armed groups and directed the Chiefs of Defense Forces to meet within one week and set new timelines for the withdrawal and recommended appropriate deployment matrix. This they directed that the process be accompanied by dialogue and violations be reported to chairperson of the summit for immediate consultation with members of the summit
