Flights in and out of Goma Airport were stopped last week after M23 rebels took control of the critical infrastructure, disrupting humanitarian aid deliveries.
In a statement issued after a joint meeting, ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) called for the immediate reopening of the airport to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
The ministers also agreed to develop a securitisation plan for Goma and surrounding areas, alongside the repatriation of the deceased and support for the injured.
The leaders urged the immediate resumption of the Nairobi Process while strengthening coordination with the Luanda Process, including implementing the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to neutralise the FDLR rebel group.
They further called for lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures and recommended direct engagement with non-state parties including the M23 rebels.
To expedite security measures, EAC and SADC Chiefs of Defence will meet within five days to provide technical guidance on ceasefire negotiations.
In the medium term, the ministers proposed launching a political dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict and plan for the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from DRC.
An elaborate roadmap detailing immediate, medium and long-term implementation measures, including modalities of financing will be presented to the Joint Ministerial Meeting for consideration and approval within 30 days.
The meeting was co-chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and his Zimbabwe counterpart Amon Murwira.
