The chiefs of general staff of the countries contributing to the formation of the SADC Force deployed in the DRC (SAMIRDC) are set to hold a high-level command meeting this weekend in Goma, North Kivu Province.
The army leaders arrived in Goma on Thursday afternoon ahead of the meeting that will present an opportunity to refine military strategies to drive the M23, which controls many localities in the country in North Kivu, out of the Congolese territory as was the case back in 2012.
On Thursday, the head of the Tanzanian army, General Jacob John Mkunda, arrived first in the company of the chief of staff of the Malawian army, Major General Kashisha.
They were followed by the Congolese army chief, army general Christian Tshiwewe, accompanied by his South African counterpart, army general Maphwanya Sizani.
The head of the National Defense Forces of Burundi, General Prime Niyongabo is also expected to arrive in Goma where some of his troops are incorporated into the SAMIRDC.
The military authorities were welcomed at the airport by the coordinator of military operations in North and South Kivu, Lieutenant General Fall Sikabwe and interim military governor of North Kivu, Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba.
This meeting in Goma will be the first high-level meeting of the chiefs of general staff of the countries contributing troops to the SAMIRDC.
