- President Uhuru Kenyatta is leading the EAC peace talks.
- Kenyatta said the parties involved in the conflict had committed to a speedy resolution and that he was optimistic that the gains made
Image: HANDOUT
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) says it has completed its movement of troops, warfare equipment and the logistical component to the DRC
According to the KDF, the movement of the troops, warfare equipment and logistical component of the Kenyan contingent operating under the East African Community Regional Force in DRC has been successful.
“The cross border liaisons enabled ease of movement, as the convoys moved to Goma-DRC by road through Uganda and Rwanda last week,” said a statement.
“This liaison and ease of passage are most significant in the delivery of the EACRF mandate. It also adds to the EAC milestones in the participation by all member states to provide sustainable peace in the region through collective responsibility.”
The statement said EACRF troops' presence in DRC continues to signal peace and stability in the troubled Eastern part of Congo.
In the same spirit, the ongoing Nairobi process, FARDC efforts, population support and humanitarian assistance are geared towards the provision of human security for peaceful coexistence.
On December 3, 2022, the 3rd Zone Commander Lieutenant General Marcel Mbangu accompanied by Deputy Force Commander Brig Emmanuel Kaputa and Sector Commander Col Daniel Rotich visited the Kenyan contingent after their arrival.
The Commanding Officer Lt Col Denis Obiero briefed them on the deployment progress, projections and welfare matters. There are more than 900 KDF troops in the area.
The Kenyan troops joined others from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania on the mission in Eastern DRC.
“EACRF remains committed to supporting FARDC in defeating negative forces, maintenance of law and order, disarmament, demobilization, community recovery, and stabilization program and supporting humanitarian agencies in the protection of civilians thus creating a conducive environment for socioeconomic development.”
This came amid reports the M23 rebels had announced that it is ready to begin their disengagement and withdrawal from the territories they captured.
Officials said the rebels want to meet the EAC force, the facilitator and have a direct dialogue with the government.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is leading the EAC peace talks.
The talks concluded in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Kenyatta said the parties involved in the conflict had committed to a speedy resolution and that he was optimistic that the gains made in Nairobi would be built upon in the next phase of the talks which will be held in Goma, DRC, in January 2023.
“We are happy with the progress; we are not saying we have completed everything but we have managed to achieve some milestones in terms of issues that will be undertaken by the DRC government and other aspects which will be completed by some of the delegates present,” he said.
“We have agreed we will have a follow-up meeting and that is why we were saying all parties should sign the communique so that every participant can take responsibility for their commitments.”
“I am hopeful that when we meet again in Goma, we should be able to report progress on the items agreed upon here and then engage on some of the medium and long-term agenda items that require time at our next meeting,” he said.