Time For Action

On March 3, 2023 leaders of the East African Community bloc unanimously agreed to deploy troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo to help bring peace to the eastern part of the country that is marred by armed conflict for years. The regional forces that are stationed in the east have received a warm welcome from the population that are gradually returning to their towns and villages. The deployment of these forces that come to re-enforce those of MONUSCA has been saluted by the different stakeholders as a great step towards a long-lasting solution for peace in the area.
However, with the deployment euphoria over, it is now time for the different actors to play their rule on the field because all eyes are now turned on them. To do this, personal interest must not overshadow that of a nation. There is no place for troops that are coming to the area with pre-conceived agendas.  It is true that the north of DR Congo is very rich in minerals and the there is a mad rush for exploitation. But it should not be done at the detriment of the population that are supposed to be the first to benefit.  Any regional bloc like the EAC that does not protect the people’s interest and work hand-in-glove with the Kinshasa government should be told to leave. The recent replacement of the head of the Kenya military operation without consulting Kinshasa are decisions the different contingents must avoid because it is very difficult for any of the ...