The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) achieved full deployment status in line with the re-posturing of troops following the arrival and subsequent deployment of the South Sudan Contingent in the eastern DRC.
They were deployed to Rumangabo Forward Operating Base, a significant milestone in the last phase of deployment in the multinational sector of Rutshuru and Masisi territories.
The move was approved by the Heads of State mini-summit held in Addis Ababa on February 17 2023 upon the recommendations of the East Africa Community Chiefs of Defence Forces/Chiefs of Defence Staff.
The Kenyan Contingent (KENCON) Commander Col Daniel Rotich received the South Sudan Contingent troops at the KENCON Sector Headquarters before facilitating deployment to Rumangabo Forward Operating Base where the two contingents are to be collocated.
They were received, briefed and oriented to the new Operating Environment by the Commanding Officer Lt Col Denis Obiero.
Attainment of full deployment by EACRF will enhance the sequenced and orderly withdrawal of M23 to the designated cantonment areas, Protection of Civilians, opening up of the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Rumangabo-Goma and Kitchanga-Sake-Goma Main Supply Routes.
They will subsequently support the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) of all armed groups in Eastern DRC in line with the Mandate of the Regional Force.
Meanwhile, residents of Nyiragongo and Rutshuru territories have embraced collective efforts for peace and stability by the Kenyan Contingent troops deployed in the region.
Resumption of normalcy is noticeable in the two territories with a beehive of activities being registered along the Goma-Kibumba-Rumangabo-Rutshuru Main Supply Route (MSR) following its opening and restoration of security.
Through regular engagements with the Kenyan Contingent troops, the residents have agreed to the cessation of hostilities and ethnic animosity amongst themselves, and put in place a conflict resolution mechanism towards creating a culture of peace and harmony within the community.
KDF said the locals have taken up the initiative of infrastructure development by improving road sections that are hazardous to motorists transporting people and goods, leading to accidents along the RN2 Main Supply Route, with injured victims often assisted by Kenyan Contingent medical team deployed in the area.
The Commanding Officer has taken the initiative of encouraging his troops and commending them for their tireless efforts that have paved way for the return of Internally Displaced Persons, urging them to keep the momentum for the achievement of the ultimate goal of peace and security in Eastern DRC.
EACRF will continue enhancing peace and stability efforts for socioeconomic development through the Protection of Civilians, opening up the Main Supply Routes for the free flow of people and goods and aiding Humanitarian assistance to the local population in the Joint Operation Area in support of the political process geared at finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern DRC.
The troops are in DRC to help contain the M23 menace.
Local media on Friday quoted the EAC force commander, Kenyan General Jeff Nyagah, as saying that the planned M23 withdrawal would be "sequenced".
M23 remains in control of substantial areas of North Kivu and has almost completely surrounded Goma, which has Rwanda to its east and Lake Kivu to its south.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels, something the United States, several other Western countries and independent UN experts agree with.
Rwanda denies the allegations.
And whereas there have been no major fighting between the Congolese forces and the M23 revels for several weeks, fighting with rival militias and insecurity remains rampant.