SSPDF soldiers set for a peacekeeping mission in the eastern DRC. (Photo: File).

East African leaders have directed troop-contributing countries including South Sudan and Uganda to deploy their forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The decision was reached following a three-day summit in the Burundian Capital Bujumbura to evaluate the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The meeting also directed the DR Congo government to facilitate the deployment of forces from South Sudan and Uganda.

The Heads of state also directed immediate ceasefire by all parties and the withdrawal of all foreign armed groups.

The communique also “directed the chiefs of defense forces to meet within one week and set new timeline for withdrawal and recommend appropriate deployment matrix.”

“The summit also directed all troop-contributing countries to immediately deploy and urged the Democratic Republic of Congo to immediately facilitate the deployment of troops.”

South Sudan had prepared its 750 troops for the peace mission in December 2022, but the forces have not yet arrived in the restive region.

They are currently stationed in Western Equatoria State and processing documents.

Fighting has been raging in the east against the March 23rd rebels, which have made advances and displaced tens of thousands of people fleeing from their homes.

Over 120 armed groups are also active across the mineral-rich eastern Congo, many of them a legacy of regional wars that flared at the turn of the century.

The M23 rose to prominence in 2012 when it captured the main eastern city of Goma, before being driven out and going to ground.

But it re-emerged late last year, claiming Kinshasa had failed to honor a pledge to integrate its fighters into the army, among other grievances.