EACRF Force Commander briefs Joint Bureau on EACRF Exit Plan implementation at EACRF Headquarters, Goma
The Force Commander (FC) East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Maj Gen Aphaxard Kiugu on Wednesday, 13 December 2023 hosted the Joint Bureau, comprising the Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism (AVM), Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) and the East African Community Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (EAC-MVM), at the Force Headquarters in Goma, Eastern DRC.
The FC used the forum to bring the Joint Bureau up to speed on the current state of implementation of the EACRF Exit Plan following expiry of the mandate on 8th December.
The Joint Bureau was informed of EACRF troops' redeployment back to their home countries.
The Force Headquarters will close down once all contingents are out of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) soil together with their Country Owned Equipment.
The FC reiterated that EACRF was able to implement its mandate with positive outcomes, but the Host Nation made a decision not to renew the mandate, leading to exit of the force.
Following EACRF's exit, the FC raised concerns about disruptions to the free movement of persons, goods and services along Provincial Road 1030 in Masisi territory and along National Road 2 in Nyiragongo and Rutshuru territories.
The FC commended the Joint Bureau for the cooperation and collaboration with EACRF for the period of deployment in North Kivu and in addition, for the conduct and impartial manner in which the three verification mechanisms were able to jointly execute their mandate.
The FC thanked the DRC government for the overwhelming support accorded to EACRF during their operations in Eastern DRC.
The Joint Bureau, led by AVM’s Lt Gen Nassone João, commended the FC for EACRF's achievements and acknowledged that it was a year of great experience working closely with him. “Military culture is the same, hence the reason it is easy for the forces drawn from different countries being able to cooperate in peacekeeping missions and benefit a lot by exchanging experiences and knowledge,” Lt Gen Nassone said.
Head of EAC-MVM Brig Gen Elie Ndizigiye and EJVM’s representative Col Kongbo Elmar-Marcia echoed similar sentiments, and the delegation wished EACRF officers and service personnel well in their future engagements.
Present during the meeting were Brig Generals Emmanuel Kaputa, Gregoire Ndorarigonya, Michael Kibuye, Colonel Jok Akech and Staff Officers from EACRF and the Joint Bureau.