General Muhoozi at the Heart of EAC’s DRC Peace Talks
In a crucial move to address the growing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, participated in a high-level military summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The gathering brought together Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDFs) from across East Africa to discuss solutions for the escalating violence in the eastern DRC, a region plagued by persistent conflict and humanitarian suffering.
This summit marks a significant step in the East African Community’s (EAC) ongoing efforts to stabilize the DRC, a country where armed groups like the M23 have captured critical areas, exacerbating the crisis. The meeting was arranged in line with directives from the joint EAC-Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit, held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
The Nairobi summit, hosted in February 2025, was a culmination of efforts by the EAC and SADC, which have been actively involved in addressing regional security concerns. General Muhoozi, representing Uganda, was accompanied by senior officials, including Major General James Birungi, the Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security.
The significance of the meeting lies not only in the discussions among military leaders but also in the collective will to bring lasting peace to the region. As violence in the DRC continues to escalate, with armed factions controlling key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, the East African nations are working toward a unified approach to restore order and security.
EAC’s Commitment to DRC Peace
The security situation in the DRC, particularly in its eastern region, has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the East African Community. Despite international calls for intervention, the situation remains volatile, with rebel groups and armed militias taking control of significant portions of the country. The EAC, alongside other regional organizations, has made it clear that the resolution of this conflict is a priority, with a particular focus on tackling the root causes of instability.
At the forefront of these efforts is General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose involvement in the Nairobi meeting reflects Uganda’s commitment to addressing regional security challenges. The DRC’s ongoing struggles with insurgencies like the M23 rebel group, which has gained control of cities in the eastern region, demand urgent military and diplomatic intervention. In his address during the Nairobi meeting, Muhoozi emphasized the importance of collaboration between East African nations in tackling these security challenges. “Our collective focus on the security challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo exemplifies the cooperative spirit that binds the East African Community,” Muhoozi remarked.
While challenges persist, the meeting served as a reminder that the EAC’s cooperation in addressing the DRC crisis remains strong. The unity of the region’s military leadership highlights the collective resolve to find a lasting solution. General Charles Kahariri, the Chief of the Defence Forces of Kenya, who chaired the meeting, stressed the urgency of adopting decisive measures to halt the violence and provide support to the DRC’s government and citizens.
Strategies for Peace and Stability in the DRC
During the Nairobi meeting, a set of six key directives were presented to guide the EAC’s collective efforts toward stabilizing the DRC. The primary goal of these directives was to address the humanitarian crisis and restore security to the eastern region, which has long been plagued by conflict. Key measures included the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the opening of main supply routes to ensure the safe delivery of assistance to affected areas.
One of the most critical areas of focus was the development of a comprehensive securitization plan for Goma, a city that has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict. The regional leaders also discussed the immediate reopening of Goma Airport, a key entry point for international humanitarian organizations. General Muhoozi’s insights into military operations were instrumental in shaping the strategies presented at the meeting.
As the EAC military chiefs continued their discussions, the need for a coordinated approach to dismantling armed groups like M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) was emphasized. Uganda’s efforts, alongside those of the DRC’s Armed Forces, have focused on neutralizing the ADF, a terrorist group with historical ties to Uganda. The recent successful operations in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, represent a significant step forward in weakening the ADF’s presence in the region. However, much work remains to be done.
Uganda’s Role in Stabilizing Eastern DRC
Uganda has played a central role in the efforts to stabilize eastern DRC, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) actively engaged in military operations aimed at eliminating the ADF. These operations have led to the significant degradation of ADF’s capabilities, with only small remnants of the group operating in the dense forests of the region. Uganda’s military collaboration with the FARDC, the DRC’s national army, has been essential in ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to the violence that has plagued the area for years.
The UPDF’s recent entry into Bunia was met with widespread approval from local residents, who have long suffered from the violence. Many citizens in the region see the intervention as a necessary step to restore peace and security to a region ravaged by conflict. Despite challenges, Uganda’s proactive role in the region remains crucial in the broader effort to stabilize the eastern DRC. The meeting in Nairobi served to reinforce Uganda’s position as a key player in the peace process, with General Muhoozi’s leadership and strategic direction playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s security policies.
In addition to military efforts, Uganda has also supported initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, such as poverty, ethnic tensions, and the lack of effective governance. This holistic approach underscores the importance of not only military intervention but also long-term development strategies to ensure lasting peace in the region.
The Road Ahead for EAC Military Chiefs
As the DRC crisis continues to unfold, the role of the East African Community’s military chiefs becomes ever more critical. The Nairobi summit represents just one step in the ongoing process of formulating a unified strategy for regional peace and stability. With the M23 rebels continuing to consolidate their control in key cities, and growing pressure from the international community for Rwanda to withdraw its forces, the EAC military chiefs face the challenge of developing a comprehensive security strategy that addresses the complex dynamics of the region.
Moving forward, the focus will remain on intelligence-sharing and coordinated military operations aimed at dismantling the rebel groups responsible for much of the violence in the eastern DRC. The need for a unified approach to ensure territorial integrity, security, and humanitarian access cannot be overstated. The involvement of General Muhoozi and other EAC military leaders will be crucial in guiding the region toward a sustainable solution to the crisis.
As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, the commitment of the EAC nations to peace and security will remain unwavering. Through cooperation, strategic military operations, and continued diplomatic efforts, the hope is that the eastern DRC will eventually see the peace and stability it has long been denied.
