The Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, has provided a comprehensive update on the latest developments in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), regional judicial reforms, and the progress of the East African Community (EAC) Political Confederation.
Kadaga while addressing the media onb Tuesday expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Eastern DRC, where armed conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, loss of lives, and economic hardships for civilians, particularly women and children. She revealed that a recent summit of heads of state extended condolences to the families of victims and called for urgent intervention to restore peace.
The summit condemned attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, which saw embassies from Uganda, Kenya, Niger, and France targeted. In response, the DRC government pledged to enhance security for diplomatic installations.
Leaders also called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, urging all conflicting parties—including the DRC government and M23 rebels to engage in dialogue. The meeting emphasized diplomatic and political solutions as the only viable path to lasting peace.
Kadaga noted that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional forces had been expelled from DRC in December 2023, leading to the deployment of other forces. To address the crisis, a joint summit of EAC and SADC leaders was convened on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, which mandated President William Ruto and President Emmerson Mnangagwa to spearhead consultations with the African Union (AU) on appointing a mediator.
Key resolutions from the summit included: The reopening of Goma Airport for humanitarian and economic activities.
Securing key supply routes, including Goma-Sake-Bukavu and Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo-Karegera.
Directing the EAC and SADC security forces to outline a clear plan for enforcing the ceasefire. The evacuation of fallen and injured soldiers from SADC forces stationed in the region.
Additionally, leaders pushed for the neutralization of the FDLR, a rebel group linked to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, which remains active in Eastern Congo. They also reaffirmed support for the DRC’s sovereignty, calling for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign forces operating in the country.
Kadaga also highlighted the outcomes of the Third General Conference of East African Courts, held in Uganda under the theme “Justice, Ethics, and Enforcement of Decisions”.
The meeting, chaired by Justice Nkai Oira, brought together regional judges, commissioners, and legal experts to strengthen judicial cooperation within the EAC.
She noted that key concerns raised included: Backlogs in regional courts .The conference proposed alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ease case congestion. Political backlash against courts, Leaders stressed the need to shield regional judicial bodies from political interference by governments. Harmonization of human rights protocols , Efforts are underway to amend EAC treaties to enhance human rights enforcement and Artificial Intelligence in legal systems where the judiciary is exploring the adoption of AI tools to improve efficiency in court processes.
Kadaga also provided an update on the EAC Political Confederation, a long-standing goal aimed at deepening regional integration. She noted that consultations with citizens have been conducted in Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya, led by a committee chaired by Justice Amos Wako and Justice Benjamin Odoki.
The consultations seek public input on key issues, including: Areas of cooperation under the Political Confederation.
Governance structure and decision-making models, Funding mechanisms for the Confederation’s operations. Legal frameworks and constitutional adoption processes.
Due to delays in implementation, the November 30, 2024, EAC summit in Arusha directed that a “variable geometry” approach be applied, allowing countries that are ready to proceed with the Confederation to do so while others join later.
Kadaga reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting regional peace efforts, strengthening judicial systems, and advancing the EAC integration agenda. She emphasized that annual EAC summits or emergency meetings will be held as needed to monitor progress on these key issues.
