Heads of State and Government from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) are convening in Gabon, the current holder of the rotating presidency since February. The summit’s agenda includes discussions on the organization’s finances, regional integration processes, and institutional reforms.
However, security issues, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the conflict between the M23 rebel group and the national army, will take center stage. Expectations are high for ECCAS to adopt a more active stance in its statements and actions, moving away from a perceived stance of neutrality, as expressed by Giscard Kusema, deputy director of the Congolese presidential press.
Another pressing matter to be addressed is the support for countries hosting refugees from war-torn Sudan. Placide Olouba, the Gabonese deputy commissioner for regional integration, emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility, stating that the impact on one country affects the entire community.
Financial aid is being considered, with preliminary gestures already announced. Additionally, the ECCAS investigation into the violence that occurred in Chad on October 20 is still pending, although it is not expected that the summit will make an official statement on this issue, according to diplomatic sources. Finally, discussions behind closed doors among the heads of state may touch upon the Central African Republic’s plea for the lifting of the arms embargo.
In addition to security concerns, the delayed issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be brought to the table. Reforms within the institution, improvements in the legal framework, and financial matters will be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of ECCAS and enable each body to fully carry out its missions. Placide Olouba emphasizes that these endeavors aim to increase efficiency within the organization.