EACRF Force Commander addresses troops deployed at the Force headquarters
The Force Commander (FC) EACRF Maj Gen Aphaxard Kiugu on Tuesday, 25th July 2023 addressed the Guard and Admin troops comprising the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at the Force Headquarters in Goma, Eastern Democratic of Congo (DRC).
In his address, the FC commended the ongoing EACRF's efforts to defeat negative forces within the Joint Operation Area and reiterated the commitment of EACRF towards the realisation of peace and stability in the region.
He underscored the need to respect the constitution of the Host nation while executing the assigned duties within their AORs and called on the troops to focus on the implementation of EACRF Mandate read together with relevant directives issued by the EAC Heads of State.
"We have a heavy responsibility of ensuring the Armed Groups committing atrocities against innocent civilians disarm, demobilize and undergo reintegration with the community under the planned Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS).
Further, EACRF forces will continue supporting the DRC in collaboration with other state and non-state actors in the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the region for the country’s social well-being," said the FC.
He called on the troops to remain professional and learn best practices from each other and ultimately be ambassadors of their countries as they jointly operate under EACRF towards peace and stability in Eastern DRC.
Present were Deputy Force Commanders Brig Gen Emmanuel Kaputa - Intelligence & Operations, Brig Gen Ndorarigonya Gregoir - Admin & Logistics, Brig Gen Michael Kibuye - Chief of Staff, Colonel Daniel Rotich - KenCon Commander & key FHQs Staff Officers from FARDC and KDF.