KDF, EAC Regional Troops Withdrawn From DRC
The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), the security troops deployed to the war-torn Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been withdrawn from the region, with the last team set to depart Congo soil on Thursday 21, 2023.
In a statement from EACRF’s commander Maj Gen Aphaxard Kiugu, the contingents from four countries have sufficiently addressed the conflict and helped to restore partial calm in the region.
The conflict was occasioned by the notorious armed group March 23 Movement (M23) capturing areas bordering Rwand and Uganda, prompting the EAC heads of state from Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, and South Sudan to approve the deployment of their troops in November 2022.
Kenya’s troops – Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) – were the first to be deployed and managed to calm threats in Goma, the capital of the eastern region of North Kivu, where there was a huge penetration of the M23 rebels.
The Burundi team followed on March 2023 and took positions in Mubambiro and later moved to Kirolirwe, Kitchanga, and Mweso.
Later in April 2023, Uganda’s troops arrived in Congo’s soil and pitched camp at Bunagana and later in Chengerero, Kiwanja, and Mabenga.
South Sudan’s team was deployed on the same day as Uganda’s contingent and joined the KDF who both extended deployments into Tongo and Mulimbi.
Major Gen. Kiugu noted that the troops in the Joint Operation Area (JOA) have since facilitated a ceasefire between the M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
Kiugu added that the ceasefire, however, breached later, reduced threats from other armed groups, and assured the safety of civilians.
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“Albeit fragile, the ceasefire lasted from 07 March to 06 October 2023, when it was breached following the resumption of hostilities between M23 and FARDC,” said Gen Kiugu.
The EARCF has also been lauded for partially opening the main supply routes, preventing direct threat on Goma and Sake towns which resulted in the gradual return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their rural homes.
The troops also allowed the co-existence of communities in the region by engaging leadership organizations and also helped the advancement of humanitarian activities in the area.
Despite the successes, Kiugu however noted that the areas vacated by EACRF have been occupied by the armed forces including the M23 rebels.
Lauding all players who supported the peace mission, Kiugu urged them to continue supporting the ongoing and future interventions geared toward finding lasting peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
“Citizens of North Kivu and Eastern DRC in general, deserve to live in secure and humane conditions and with equal chances of prosperity just like their brothers and sisters in other parts of DRC,” he said.
The withdrawal began on December 3 when two contingents of around 100 Kenyan soldiers flew out of the airport in Goma.
The peace-building process was facilitated by Kenya’s former president Uhuru Kenyatta who led the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Peace Process.
KDF, EAC Regional Troops Withdrawn From DRC
