The East African Community Regional Force has begun plans to withdraw its troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The first contingent of the Kenya Armed Forces (KENCON), part of the EACRF, left Goma International Airport on Saturday, December 3rd, ending a year-long deployment in the volatile region
This move follows the direction of the 23rd General Assembly of the East African Community (EAC) held in Arusha, Tanzania on 24 April, where it was unanimously decided not to expand the mandate of the EACRF not later than December 8,
In line with the decision, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) is now gradually withdrawing its units from the area starting from non-essential deployment areas. The Chief of Army Staff, General Francis Ogolla, who visited Goma on December 2, was briefed by the Chief of Army Staff, General Alfaxard Kiugu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Colonel Daniel Rotich, on the withdrawal strategy.
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| Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, Gen Francis Ogolla |
Gen. Ogolla commended the Kenyan military for its exemplary service in providing security to civilians and efforts to deny the armed groups the opportunity to continue to wreak havoc in the region. "I am pleased that the Cancon Army has taken the EACRF mandate very responsibly. We are excited to deliver our services operationally with minimal defensive resources," he commented.
The change involves the transfer of security responsibilities from the EACRF to forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). To sustain the peace processes in eastern DRC, comprehensive measures have been taken to facilitate the seamless delivery of supplies.
Among their deployments, EACRF’s primary mission was to work with the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) to counter armed groups, assist in disarmament campaigns, support law and order, and provide humanitarian assistance Key Achievements Relocate armed groups to armed areas, establish a shelter, food, water delivery to local communities, with assistance in providing medical assistance they are given in addition.
About 300 soldiers are expected to return to Kenya today, with the movement of additional troops and equipment to follow in the coming days by road and air.
Gentlemen on the ground, Col Daniel Rotich, Lt Col Gideon Koech, and Lt Col James Kimonye were present to bid farewell to the returning soldiers at Goma International Airport Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, Brigadier Mohammed Dahir was welcomed by KDF leaders Lee, Colonel-Shadrach-musou -and he did it.
In his address to troops, General Ogolla stressed the importance of focusing on international missions, monitoring progress, and respecting values, culture, and customs during his visit and that the progress comes at a crucial time as eastern DRC faces uncertainty over recent ceasefire violations
Finally, as soldiers return home, they focus on the presence of SADC troops and their role in securing the future of the people of eastern DRC.
