EAC-SADC leaders call for Direct Dialogue to End DRC Conflict
By Mwila Nsofu
The Joint East African Community –EAC- and Southern African Development Community –SADC- Summit has called for immediate resumption of direct negotiations and dialogue with all State and Non-State parties and the M23 to end hostilities in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC.
This is under the framework of the Luanda-Nairobi process.
The Joint Summit, which was attended President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA and 15 Other Heads of State and government, has also directed the EAC -SADC Chiefs of Defence forces to meet within five days and provide technical direction.
In a Communiqué issued and obtained by ZNBC News, the Joint Summit says the technical direction must be provided on the immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities.
The Joint summit also called for the implementation of the Concepts of Operations of the harmonized plan of neutralization of the FDLR and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures or disengagement of forces from the DRC as agreed in the Luanda process.
The Joint Summit has also reaffirmed solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as sustainable peace, security and development.
