- Their primary task is to provide and support communication connectivity and information technology services to the Mission and the Force
- Kenya has remained committed to regional and international peace and security through participation in peace support operation
Image: KENYA DEFENCE FORCES
The Kenya Signals Company troops completed a one-year tour of duty where they have been providing Communication, Connectivity and Technological Services to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
The team was feted with well-deserved service medals recognizing their exceptional commitment and dedication during their tour of duty at the MONUSCO Force Headquarters in Goma, DRC.
The troops received medals and certificates in a ceremony presided over by the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Personnel, Evaluation and Training (DCOS PET) Col. Azizan Long Ji Bin Harun.
This was in honour of their fulfilment of the criteria for such awards toward their contribution to supporting peacekeeping efforts in Eastern DRC.
"Throughout this mission, I have been informed of your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and courage in the face of adversity," said Col. Azizan.
On her part, Chief of Field Technology Services (FTS), Francia Peralta, applauded Kenya for contributing peacekeepers who are dedicated and professional in carrying out their duties.
"Under the leadership of your commanders, we have recorded tremendous achievements, notable being the restoration of satellite services and other Communication and Information Systems (CIS) services in Kiwanja," she said.
"You have demonstrated expertise and set standards in offering technological services."
The team was deployed last year in November. A new team is set to join the mission.
KENSIG is part of MONUSCO, its primary task is to provide and support communication connectivity and information technology services to the Mission and the Force.
It is a key component in such a mission.
Kenya has remained committed to regional and international peace and security through participation in peace support operations for the last four decades.
Over the years, KDF troops have performed exceptionally well in Peacekeeping/Peace Support Operations, attracting international recognition for their professionalism, courage, and dedication to the achievement of mission mandates.
On October 8, Defence from the East Africa in Community (EAC) Sunday approved the extension of the region's forces to stay in DRC until peace and stability are restored.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said that the approval of the East African Community Regional Forces (EACRF) follows the gains in efforts to restore peace among the warring groups in the volatile Eastern DRC region.
"After a series of other high-level deliberations with legal and security experts, today, with other Ministers of Defence from the East African Community we convened for an Extra-Ordinary Meeting of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania," Duale said.
He said the Defence ministers discussed a range of regional security concerns with a focus on the situation in the Eastern DRC and noted the need for the extension of the EACRF mandate given the relative calm in the country.
“The sitting proposed an extension of their occupancy until peace and stability is fully restored,” he said.
Duale said Kenya being one of the Troops Contributing Countries welcomed this move and committed to support the quest for peace in the economic development of the DRC.
This comes as M23 rebels and DR Congo troops clash heavily in North Kivu province.
Thousands of people have been displaced in the volatile eastern region of the DRC as fighting between the army and M23 rebels continues.
A mostly Congolese Tutsi group, the M23 (the March 23 Movement) leapt to prominence in 2012 when it briefly captured Goma before being driven out.
After lying dormant for years, the rebels took up arms again in late 2021, claiming the DRC had failed to honour a pledge to integrate them into the army, among other grievances.