DRC: Diplomatic approaches for a return to peace in North Kivu
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa held discussions in Kampala regarding regional peace and security, particularly focusing on the security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) are active.
Following closed-door discussions, a joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the meeting, expressing support for the deployment of the Southern African Development Community Intervention Brigade (SAMIDRC) to North Kivu to establish peace and security.
«In light of the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), both Presidents expressed their concern over the deteriorating security situation in the East of the DRC. They voiced support for the Luanda process, the Nairobi process, and the deployment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC, all part of multiple efforts aimed at fostering peace and security», reads the statement.
Furthermore, Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed their commitment to working together towards peace, stability, and sustainable economic development across the continent.
At the recent Troika summit held on March 23 in Lusaka, the regional organization reiterated its commitment under the mutual defense pact, whereby «any armed attack against one of them shall be considered as a threat to regional peace and security».
It’s worth noting that SAMIDRC represents a regional response by SADC complementing ongoing diplomatic and political processes aimed at supporting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
