General Ogolla recieves KDF troops after 'successful' DRC mission

By Peter Ochieng

Chief of Defence Forces (KDF) General Francis Ogolla has today received the last cohort of KDF troops deployed under the East Africa Community Regional Forces (EACRF) in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Embakasi Garrison in Nairobi.

The event marked the culmination of 12 months of dedicated service and sacrifice by the KDF troops, deployed to maintain peace and stability in the volatile region of the DRC.

General Ogolla acknowledged the unwavering commitment and professionalism exhibited by the troops during their deployment, in the face of many challenging conditions.

"The success and gains made during your tour of duty in the mission reflects your professionalism, discipline and dedication of our forces. I'm aware of the challenges, uncertainties and complexities you faced in the mission, however through your collaborative efforts with other troops you demonstrated strength that comes with unity of purpose," said Ogolla.

Additionally, he expressed his profound gratitude to the troops for their utmost commitment, and representing the nation with honour on the international stage.

He appealed to them to share their experience and expertise with their colleagues, in maintaining the image of the KDF as an indisputable force in the protection of humanity.

Force Commander, Major General Aphaxard Kiugu, said that the deployment was critical in the protection of civilians and fostering of harmonious coexistence between communities.

The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo had been an area of concern, with intractable conflict directly impacting local and regional socio political and economic well-being.

Major Kiugu in an earlier statement said that the DRC government had declined to extend the mandate of the regional force, which was deployed to restore peace and security in the conflict-ridden region.

“The decision by DRC not to extend the mandate of the EAC Regional Force beyond December 8, 2023, was noted during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held on November 24, 2023, in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania.

A subsequent EAC Chiefs of Defence Forces/Staff meeting approved EACRF’s Exit Plan and authorized Contingents to redeploy their troops together with Country Owned Equipment back to their home countries,” he said.

The EACRF was a multinational force comprising troops drawn from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda.

It was authorized by the EAC Heads of State to deliver on peace, security, and stability aspirations in Eastern DRC amidst the ongoing conflict.

The mandate of the EACRF was initially six months, but it was extended twice, first to September 8, 2023, and then to December 8, 2023, then the DRC government declined to renew it further.

DRC saw the mission as a failure, after the troops failed to confront M23 rebels.