Goma, DRC – The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) has begun withdrawing troops from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the end of a one-year deployment aimed at stabilizing the volatile region.
The first contingent of Kenyan troops (KENCON) departed Goma International Airport on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, in line with the directive issued at the 23rd Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State. The summit, held in Arusha, Tanzania, on November 24th, decided not to renew the EACRF’s mandate beyond December 8th, 2023.
The Kenyan contingent is spearheading the withdrawal, gradually pulling out its KDF units while preparing to handover the protected area to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces. This follows a visit by Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Francis Ogolla to Goma on December 2nd, where he met with EACRF leadership and KENCON troops.
Gen Ogolla commended the Kenyan contingent for their outstanding contribution to stabilizing Eastern DRC, acknowledging their success in protecting civilians and hindering armed groups’ ability to commit atrocities. He emphasized that Goma has largely remained secure under EACRF’s protection since KENCON’s deployment on November 22nd, 2023.
The EACRF’s mandate included conducting joint operations with DRC’s Armed Forces (FARDC) to defeat armed groups, support disarmament programs, maintain law and order, and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. However, the force’s effectiveness has been questioned, with critics pointing to ongoing clashes between the M23 group and the DRC army, backed by “patriot” militias. In October, a Kenyan soldier tragically lost his life due to shrapnel wounds.
EACRF will be handing over security responsibilities in Eastern DRC to SADC forces. Meticulous plans are being implemented to ensure a seamless handover that upholds ongoing peace efforts in the region.
Meanwhile, the DRC prepares for its general elections scheduled for December 20th. President Felix Tshisekedi, in power since 2019, is seeking re-election for a second five-year term.
