The Burundi National Defence Forces troops under the East African Community Regional Force took over Karuba, Mushaki and Kirolirwe and earmarks to deploy to Kitchanga upon completion of ongoing reconnaissance following the withdrawal of M23 from occupied areas of Eastern DRC.
Thai is on the Western Front to designated areas of Sabinyo, Bigega, Bugusa, Nyabikona, Mbuzi, Rutsiro and Nkokwe.
M23 withdrew from Sake, Karuba, Mushaki, Neenero, Kirolirwe, Kibirizi, Mweso and adjacent areas in compliance with the decision of the East Africa Community Heads of State mini-summit held on February 17 in Addis Ababa, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing phased withdrawal.
A Joint Bureau comprising the Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism, EACRF, Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism and East Africa Community Monitoring and Verification Mechanism verified the M23 withdrawal and observance of the ceasefire within theatre on March 21, marking a significant milestone towards restoring peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
There is a significant return of Internally Displaced Persons to their homes witnessed following the withdrawal of M23 and subsequent deployment of EACRF, whom the population has accepted to closely work within the ongoing peace and stability efforts in the eastern DRC.
Officials said the deployment has also facilitated humanitarian assistance in the vacated areas and the opening up of the Main Supply Route from Sake to Kitchanga through Kirolirwe (RP1030) where traffic comprising trucks, lorries and motorcycles facilitates the free movement of people and goods can be witnessed.
Deployment of EACRF troops continues in line with the re-posturing recommended by the East African Community Chiefs of Defence Forces/Chiefs of Staff meeting held on February 9, in Nairobi making Masisi and Rutshuru territories a multinational sector.
Burundi troops and others from regional countries are in the area to help fight various rebel groups that have been terrorizing locals.
The ground includes M23.
The M23, which is waging its most sustained offensive since capturing swathes of territory in 2012-13, has been accused of flouting a ceasefire process and summarily executing civilians.
The unrest has spurred anti-Rwandan sentiment in Congo and local opposition to a U.N. peacekeeping mission.
