- A decision not to renew the EACRF mandate beyond December 8, 2023, was made.
- Gen Ogolla flew to Goma Saturday and met the Kenyan troops with those from the East African countries that have been in the area.
The Chief of Kenya Defence Forces Gen Francis Ogolla says the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) achieved its mandate in the one year they were in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The troops began exiting on Sunday in line with the directive of the 23rd Ordinary Summit on EAC Heads of State held on November 24 in Arusha, Tanzania.
A decision not to renew the EACRF mandate beyond December 8, 2023, was made.
Gen Ogolla flew to Goma Saturday and met the Kenyan troops with those from the East African countries that have been in the area.
He lauded the Kenyan contingent, stating that they had done an excellent job in protecting civilians in their area of operations and denied armed groups freedom of action to commit atrocities.
"I am happy that the troops have undertaken the given EACRF mandate with great responsibility. As KDF we are satisfied to have delivered our role professionally with minimal collateral,” he said.
He also noted that the town of Goma has been largely protected by EACRF in support of FARDC since November 2022 when Kenyan Contingent (KENCON) deployed.
He called upon the troops in North Kivu to remain mission-ready and to observe the transition phase with utmost professionalism.
Notably, EACRF will be handing over security responsibilities in Eastern DRC to SADC forces.
Consequently, elaborate plans have been put in place to ensure a smooth handover to the designated force that will enable continuity of the peace efforts in the region, he said.
The EACRF mandate was to conduct joint operations with the Armed Forces of DRC to defeat armed groups, support the forces in disarmament programs, maintenance of law and order and provide humanitarian relief.
Since its commencement inception one year ago, EACRF forces have recorded significant milestones, among them being the successful withdrawal of armed groups to the designated cantonment areas and the creation of buffer zones in areas that were once dominated by the said groups.
Further, the forces were engaged in humanitarian aid programs that saw the provision of food, water and medical assistance to the locals.
The CDF also relayed gratitude to the leadership of DRC and FARDC as well as the communities in the Joint Operation Areas for their goodwill during the duration of the mission.
During the visit, the CDF also paid a courtesy call to the FARDC Chief of Land Forces, Lieutenant Gen Fall Sikabwe Asinda, and discussed the team’s exit from the theatre.
He also relayed assurances of Kenya's responsibility and commitment in participating towards peace in the region.
During the visit, the CDF was apprised of the exit plan for KENCON troops by the Force Commander Maj Gen Alphaxard Kiugu and the Contingent Commander Colonel Daniel Rotich.
The exit of EACRF is to be phased gradually beginning with non-critical units. Close to 300 soldiers of the 1,000 arrived in Kenya.
Subsequently, in the coming days, backloading of equipment and troop movement will progress by road and air for the EACRF troops respectively.