Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu from Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) on January 26, handed over the East African Community (EAC) flag and other mission instruments to the Secretary-General (SG) Dr. Peter Mathuki at the EAC Headquarters, in Arusha, Tanzania.
As the Force Commander (FC) East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), he was responsible for the whole mission troop.
He handed over the instruments of powers to the regional defense headquarters after a one-year peace making mission in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to a statement from the KDF, the historic handover ceremony marked the closure of the one year long mission.
This followed the expiry of the EACRF Mission Mandate and the withdrawal of troops on 21 December 2023.
During the ceremony, the SG commended EACRF for putting their lives on the line on behalf of the people of the EAC.
“I know the terrain and theatre you were operating in. You answered the call to pursue peace for the security and safety of the people of East Africa,” Dr. Mathuki stated.
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Success of EAC
Kiugu, acknowledged that the commitment of the EAC to peace and security was evident through the full deployment in theatre.
He shared some of the successes of the mission which included the protection of civilians and support to humanitarian agencies to access the population in need of help as well as opening up roads in the area.
The Force Commander noted that the deployment of EACRF troops from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda to the Joint Operation Area was critical to protect civilians from the Armed Groups operating in Eastern DRC.
Furthermore, he stated that the mission was conducted in accordance with the operational guidelines.
The guidelines are provided in collaboration of CDF/Ss, and the strategic direction provided by the EAC Heads of State.
Also, he said the troops’ professionalism and the proof of their mission accomplishments serve as a clear indicator of how well the Force is carrying out its task.
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Operational requirements were satisfied with the deployment of EACRF.
Among the historic achievements were the protection of civilians by mediating the M23-FARDC ceasefire.
The occupation of areas under threat from armed groups was among the achievements and the partial opening of Main Supply Routes within the Joint Operation Area.
“The exit of EACRF does not in any way imply end of the desire for lasting peace and stability in Eastern DRC but should inspire more regional efforts to address the current conflict including transnational threats of terrorism, proliferation of small arms and light weapons and cross border conflicts,” the FC added.
EAC gratitude from Kiugu
At the same time, Kiugu thanked the EAC strategic leadership for its unwavering support and guidance to the Regional Force during the mission in Eastern DRC.
“Equally, I applaud the high level of professionalism exhibited by various Contingents considering their diverse backgrounds.
This portrays the region’s military capacity, capability, and commitment to fully undertake Peace Support Missions regionally and around the globe,” said the FC.
Deputy Force Commander Gregoire Ndorarigonya (Burundi), Chief of Staff Michael Kibuye (Uganda) and South Sudan Contingent Commander Gabriel Bulo (Lt Col) were present.
Others included Deputy Operations Officer Gideon Koech (Lt Col), Defense Liaison Officers, EAC Secretariat, and other EACRF Staff Officers were also present during the ceremony.
