scorecard

DRC: Lack of trust holds back regional force as Angola steps in

By Musinguzi Blanshe

Posted on Tuesday, 14 March 2023 12:44, updated on Wednesday, 15 March 2023 08:33
Members of Burundi's National Defence Force, part of the troops of the East African Community Regional Force, arrive at the airport in Goma, DRC 5 March, 2023. (REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi)

9 March marked half a year since the Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi authorised the six-month deployment of the East Africa Community Regional Force (EACRF) to quell fighting in conflict-plagued eastern DRC. Analysts say little has been achieved by the regional force, with a lack of trust in it being the major stumbling block.

While the East African Community spokesperson has not responded to questions from The Africa Report on the renewal of the six-month mandate, Angola is stepping in, according to a social media post from the office of the Angolan presidency.

The office of Angola’s president in a Facebook post on 11 March announced that the country will deploy a unit whose objective will be to “secure the areas of M23 and protect members of the ad hoc verification mechanism.”

Angola President Joao Lourenço, who is the chairman of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), has been leading one of the initiatives to broker peace in DRC.

Digital subscription
Digital subscription

Give yourself a headstart:
Get full access to The Africa Report on all your devices.

More Politics