The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), the security troops stationed in the conflict-ridden Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have completed their mission and are withdrawing from the region.
The last group is scheduled to leave Congolese soil on Thursday, 21st, 2023.
According to Maj Gen Aphaxard Kiugu, the commander of EACRF, contingents from Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, and South Sudan have effectively addressed the conflict, contributing to the restoration of partial calm in the area.
The conflict arose when the M23 rebels, a notorious armed group, seized territories along the border of Rwanda and Uganda.
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In response, the EAC heads of state approved the deployment of troops from Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, and South Sudan in November 2022.
Kenya’s troops, known as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), were the first to arrive and successfully mitigate threats in Goma, the capital of North Kivu in the eastern region.
Subsequently, Burundi, Uganda, and South Sudan contingents were deployed to various locations, effectively addressing the conflict.
Major Gen. Kiugu highlighted that the troops in the Joint Operation Area (JOA) facilitated a ceasefire between the M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
Although the ceasefire was fragile, it lasted from March 7 to October 6, 2023, reducing threats from other armed groups and ensuring the safety of civilians.
Despite the successes, Gen. Kiugu acknowledged that areas vacated by EACRF have been occupied by armed forces, including M23 rebels.
The withdrawal process commenced on December 3, with the first contingents of around 100 Kenyan soldiers leaving the Goma airport.
The EACRF has received praise for partially reopening main supply routes, preventing direct threats to Goma and Sake towns, and facilitating the gradual return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their rural homes.
Additionally, the troops promoted coexistence among communities by engaging with leadership organizations and supporting humanitarian activities in the region.
While recognizing the support for the peace mission, Gen. Kiugu urged continued assistance for ongoing and future interventions to achieve lasting peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
He emphasized that the citizens of North Kivu and Eastern DRC deserve to live in secure and humane conditions with equal chances of prosperity.
The peace-building process was overseen by Kenya’s former president Uhuru Kenyatta, who led the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi Peace Process.
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