A delegation of the defence forces of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries is in Goma, North Kivu assessing the security situation.
The delegation, led by General Pinehas Martin, Chief of Staff of the Namibian Forces, has been in Goma for two days.
General Martin and his team will compile a report report and make recommendations to the heads of state of SADC for further action.
M23 rebels which President Felix Tshisekedi says is backed by Rwanda but President Paul Kagame denies has caused havoc to the region killing thousands, displacing millions and destroying property.
The United Nations has a long time presence in the area and were recently reinforced by the East African Command but both mission have failed prompting protests from locals.
Meanwhile, Burundi has deployed about 100 troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF). This is in line with regional efforts to restore peace in the conflict-ridden part of the country.
The development was confirmed by the EAC Secretary General, Dr. Peter Mathuki and Burundi’s Chief of Defence Forces. The deployment is in line with the roadmap set by the EAC Chiefs of Defence Forces/Staffs (CDF/CDS) on 9th February 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. The EAC said all other EAC troops contributing Partner States will shortly deploy within the agreed time frame.
