• Ogolla said he was aware of the challenges, complexities, and uncertainties that the force faced in the mission.
• However, their dedication, resilience, and collaborative efforts with their colleagues from other countries demonstrated the strength that comes with a unity of purpose.
Image: ENOS TECHE
Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla has reiterated that Kenya is willing and ready to contribute its forces to troubled countries within the East African Community to ensure stability.
Ogolla said he was proud of the role that his troops played in stabilizing the troubled country.
“I am proud to note that Kenya's deployment as the first contingent in the theatre made a significant contribution to stabilizing the region and created conditions for the deployment of other contingents from other member states. The success and gains made during your tour of duty in the mission reflect the professionalism, discipline, and dedication of our forces,” Ogolla said.
Ogolla said the assignment the forces undertook as an East African regional force is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared responsibility within the East African Community.
“And we have Kenya remain ready to embark on any other mission we may be called upon to restore peace in the region. As I welcome you back home, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the effort that every one of you has made," Ogolla said.
"I specifically want to thank the Force Commander, the first Force Commander, General Jeff Nyagah, and the second Force Commander, General Kiugu, for the exemplary leadership they showed to the force to enable it to achieve its mission to the end of the mandate.”
The Chief of Defence Forces spoke on Thursday at Embakasi Garrison when he presided over the reception of the last Kenyan contingent deployed under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the Eastern DRC, whose tour of duty has come to an end.
About 100 officers came on the flight.
The first group of Kenya Contingent troops left Goma International Airport on December 3, 2023, after one year of deployment.
The exit was in line with the directive of the 23rd Ordinary Summit on EAC Heads of State held on November 24 in Arusha, Tanzania.
The troops were deployed after East African Community heads of state decided to expeditiously deploy a joint regional force in the Eastern DRC to restore peace and security.
The decision was made during the 22nd Ordinary Meeting held on July 22, 2022, in Arusha, Tanzania.
The troop-contributing countries, namely the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda, had deployed their contingents.
Ogolla praised his officers, saying they served with diligence and distinction.
He said the Eastern DRC remains a focal area of concern due to the complex issues associated with that region.
Ogolla said he was aware of the challenges, complexities, and uncertainties that the force faced in the mission.
However, their dedication, resilience, and collaborative efforts with their colleagues from other countries demonstrated the strength that comes with a unity of purpose.
“Your efforts have not only contributed to regional stability but also exemplified the East African community's ability to address security challenges collectively in the region. I’m proud of what you have done; I’m proud of the efforts you made, and welcome back home,” Ogolla said.
Ogolla added:
“You have done your bit, and you have accomplished the mission for which you were assigned. Welcome back home.”
The CDF urged his troops to be ready to accomplish any other mission they would be called upon.
Ogolla appreciated and thanked the government of the DRC for their hospitality, support, and cooperation during the term of the East African Regional Force.
The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Commander, Major General Aphaxard Kiugu, said they were able to implement their mandate, but under very hostile conditions.
Kiugu said there was no extension of their mandate, despite the achievements made by the force.
He thanked the CDF, Commander in Chief, and Defence CS Aden Duale for their support while in the DRC.
Kiugu also thanked his predecessor, Major General Jeff Nyagah, for the role he played.
Major General Nyagah quit early this year, citing safety concerns after unknown people threatened him.
Kiugu said he hopes the ongoing and future interventions will help stabilize the DRC so the citizens can enjoy peace and tranquillity in a very secure environment.