EACRF Contingent Commanders meet to discuss security situation in eastern DRC
The Force Commander (FC) East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Maj Gen Aphaxard Kiugu on Tuesday, 18 July 2023, hosted the four Commanders of the East African Community Contingents deployed under EACRF in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The meeting provided a platform for the commanders to deliberate on the state of implementation of the EACRF mandate in the Joint Operation Area in North Kivu.
The Commanders from the Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda contingents made presentations to the FC on troop deployment, current security situation, achievements, challenges and way forward.
The FC was informed of sustained dominance patrols to ensure the Protection of Civilians & their property, efforts put in place in supporting the gradual return of IDPs to their homes, enabling the free movement of people and goods along the Main Supply Routes.
The commanders also highlighted on the medical support to locals and creating conditions favourable for Humanitarian Agencies to offer aid to the affected population.
Maj Gen Kiugu informed the Contingent Commanders to remain seized of insecurity-related issues within their respective Areas of Responsibility (AOR) and make wise decisions on operations geared towards the achievement of the EACRF mandate.
He took cognisance of the holding of the ceasefire between FARDC and M23 for over three months now while noting that there exist sporadic clashes among Armed Groups whose solution requires concerted efforts by all actors.
The FC directed them to continue executing their tasks in line with the mandate, prioritising the protection of civilians. He encouraged them to continuously engage key leaders at the grassroots for confidence building.
"The situation remains complex with multidimensional issues that need to be handled at different levels. Therefore, this meeting is part of the regular command engagements to take stock of the mission performance so far," said the FC.
