The democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) has ordered for the immediate withdrawal of the East African Community regional Force (EACRF) from the Eastern part of the country.
The decision was reached following, the East African Community (EAC) Chiefs of Defence Forces Staff convened an extra-ordinary meeting in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania on Wednesday, 6th December, 2023 to address the modalities of the exit of the East African Community regional Force (EACRF) following DRC’s decision not to extend the current mandate, set to expire today.
In a statement released by the DRC government noted that the CDF/S meeting upheld DRC’s decision and recommended to the EAC Defence Ministers that EACRF to officially cease its operations in Eastern DRC, with effect from 8th December, 2023.
“Further, Troop Contributing Countries are to commence the withdrawal of forces from Eastern DRC in line with the adopted plan. Notably, Kenya has already withdrawn 300 personnel with South Sudan expected to withdraw 287 troops by the end of today,” read part of the statement.
The statement added, “Subsequently, the remaining ERACRF troops, including Uganda and Burundi contingents, will continue with their withdrawal and back loading of equipment by air and road respectively, from 8th December 2023 to 7th January 2024. The last component to leave will be the EACRF Headquarters.”
The meeting raised concerns regarding the ongoing clashes in the joint Operation Area where EACRF troops are deployed and urged the Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), M23 and other armed groups to cease hostilities in order to allow the peace processes to continue their mission of finding a lasting solution to the security challenges.
As EACRF prepares to exit from Eastern DRC, the government of DRC has assured the contingents of their commitment to ensure the force enjoys security and necessary assistance during movement to respective transit locations, Goma International Airport and through border posts.
The EAC force was deployed in DRC last year on a mission of pacification and creation of a humanitarian zone.
Breaking: DRC orders immediate exit of EACRF troops
