President William Ruto arrives in Bujumbura, Burundi, for the Extra-Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of States.

The one-day meeting brings together Presidents Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Félix Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and the host Évariste Ndayishimiye.

The meeting seeks to evaluate the security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The meeting comes barely two weeks after EAC called on all parties in DRC to establish an immediate ceasefire, respect international law, and ensure the safety and security of civilians, in order to enable a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.

This is after an attack on worshippers at a church in Kasindi Town, North Kivu carried out on January 15, 2023 left several people dead and scores of others injured.  

In a statement at the time, Dr. Mathuki conveyed EAC’s solidarity with President Fèlix Tshisekedi, the Government, and the people of DRC.

"The Secretary General strongly condemns this cowardly and heinous crime and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured."

He said EAC is committed to the restoration of peace in Eastern DRC and has extended its full support in the pursuit of a sustainable solution to the protracted security situation.

The EAC Secretary General restated the call by EAC Heads of State for all local armed groups in Eastern DRC to embrace consultations, lay down their arms, and join the political process. 

Further, he reiterated the full respect for the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo and restates the commitment to the utilisation of existing regional and global frameworks to address conflict.