The Force Commander for the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), Major General Jeff Nyagah, has called upon the armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to cease hostilities against the population.
Addressing the media after arriving at the Force Headquarters on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, Major General Nyagah said that the EACRF mandate gives priority to the political process that is currently on course.
- The Force Commander for the East African Community Regional Force Major General Jeff Nyagah has called upon the armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to cease hostilities against the population.
“We have been mandated to support DRC in collaboration with humanitarian agencies to continue humanitarian relief to populations affected by armed group activities including Internally Displaced Persons,” he said.
He added that the force is optimistic, determined, and has the capacity and capabilities to execute its mandate as outlined in the Status of Forces Agreement.
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“I appeal to the local population, the media, and the international community to support this important cause by the East African Community in the quest to restore peace and stability in the eastern DRC,” the force commander said.
Maj Gen Nyagah assured the local and international community that the EACRF troops have been trained and committed that their deployment shall respect the rule of law and the constitution of the DRC.
- Maj Gen Nyagah assured the local and international community that the EACRF troops have been trained and committed that their deployment shall respect the rule of law and the constitution of the DRC.
He vowed to protect Goma, a key eastern city threatened by advancing M23 rebels.
“No one will take Goma. We are here to protect the city and the airport,” he is quoted telling journalists.
- The Kenya and DRC military leadership held an indoor meeting with key leadership and security stakeholders within the precincts of Goma airport before proceeding to the Force Headquarters.
The Force Commander was part of the additional Kenyan troops under EACRF, who were received at Goma International Airport by the Deputy Chief of the Army General Staff in charge of operations Major General Shiko Tambwe, and Kenyan Ambassador to DRC Ambassador George Masafu among other representatives from both countries.
The Kenya and DRC military leadership held an indoor meeting with key leadership and security stakeholders within the precincts of Goma airport before proceeding to the Force Headquarters.