The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), that was deployed to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to battle the M23 rebels, formally ended its mission to the central African state.

The last batch of the multinational security force left DRC soil Thursday, December 21, according to EACRF Commander Major General Alphaxard Kiugu.

Kiugu confirmed Thursday that all the Contingents under EACRF serving under the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) had exited the theatre of operation.

The final contingent to leave comprised of KDF soldiers.

Commenting on the successes of the troops that were drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and  South Sudan, Maj. Gen. Kiugu said the EACRF forces played a critical role in brokering of ceasefire between the M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo(FARDC) which he notes reduced loss of lives and allowed flow of relief to the victims.

“Albeit fragile, the ceasefire lasted from March 7, to October 6, 2023, when it was breached following the resumption of hostilities between the M23 and FARDC,” he said in his last briefing at EACRF headquarters. 

He added that EACRF also played a critical role in fostering harmonious coexistence between communities.

“This was undertaken through key leadership engagement vision in that building public confidence and trust, as well as fostering an atmosphere of understanding which eventually led to cohesive society structures and restoration of normalcy.”

Stabilization mission

The troops exit DRC at a time when the second largest country in Africa is undertaking national elections.

He noted that the Eastern DRC remains a focal area of concern with the ongoing conflict directly impacting local and regional, social, political and economic well-being.  

Despite the successes, Maj. Gen. Kiugu pointed out there remains a number of sticking points that requires intervention.

He expressed concern over the posturing of various armed groups in areas vacated by EACRF and the return of M23 in the initially vacated locations.

The EACRF Commander singled out the proliferation of armed groups exploiting existing gaps and and negative propaganda against the regional force as some of the main challenges to the stability of DRC.

He further noted that the slow progress of the disarmament, demobilization, community recovery, and stabilization program is a huge challenge.

The Kenya’s troops were the first to be deployed to DRC in November 2022 following authorization by the EAC Heads of State. Burundi troops followed in March 2023.

Uganda and South Sudan both deployed on April 2, 2023.  By Bruhan Makong, Capital News

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak, said South Sudan is committed to global solidarity for refugee solutions.

Speaking on Monday upon his arrival from Geneva after attending the global forum for refugees, Akol said the government has received close to 70,000 refugees from Sudan, with the vast majority of them arriving in the past two months alone. 

“Our humanitarian partners are doing everything they can to help, but the situation is dire; we are unable to provide basic services, treat simple illnesses, prevent hunger, and help people settle in safe locations,” Akol said.

According to him, this year’s forum underscored the importance of the world coming together to address various issues facing refugees around the world.

He added that the challenges include shelter, food, resettlement, protection, education, health, and others that are fundamental human rights.

“As we face this crisis with no end in sight, humanitarian funding is drastically reduced, and we expect more cuts in food rations for refugees next year, leaving less possibility for partners to provide decent shelters that would permit refugees to live in dignity. Worse, with the attention of the world elsewhere, we risk a crisis within a crisis,” Akol said. 

Meanwhile, the minister of interior, Angelina Teny, said the government issued six pledges aimed at enhancing service delivery to refugees, returnees, and host communities in the country.

She said the government is committed to providing services to the refugees, returnees, and host communities in the country.

“We have over 400,000 South Sudanese who have returned home from Sudan, and their status is akin to that of refugees. Our first pledge is to ensure that host communities have access to resources similar to those accessed by refugees and internally displaced persons. This commitment involves not only the South Sudanese government but also international communities and partners,” Angelina explained. 

She added, “Ensuring access to peacebuilding is a key focus of our pledges because we recognise that peace is fundamental to addressing the challenges of forced displacement, whether it’s internal displacement or refugees.

“We are committed to addressing a critical area that has significantly impacted our people, host communities, and those seeking refuge with us in the country.”

The Global Refugee Forum (GRF) 2023 started on December 13–15 in Geneva, Switzerland, to provide the opportunity for states and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made since the Global Refugee Forum 2019, share good practices, and take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead. By Jenifer James, City Review

KIGOMA, Tanzania, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and eight others injured by a lightning strike Tuesday night in Kibondo District of Kigoma Region, western Tanzania, the police confirmed on Wednesday.

Philemon Makungu, the Kigoma regional police commander, said the victims were struck by lightning at 7:30 p.m., local time, in the village of Buyezi, leaving four dead and eight injured.

"The victims were struck while they were in a restaurant where they had gathered to protect themselves from a heavy downpour," Makungu told a news conference in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipality on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

On Dec. 3, six people were killed and five others injured in a lightning strike in Masasi District of Mtwara Region in southern Tanzania.

Loutery Kanoni, the Masasi district commissioner, said the victims were struck by lightning as they gathered for traditional rites. - Xinhua

Kenya Airways (KQ) CEO Allan Kilavuka opines that Kenyans ought to be kind with their sentiments when it comes to institutions and leaders who serve them.

Kilavuka, who was speaking during Spice FM’s Breakfast show on Wednesday, was explaining circumstances that led to the diversion of flight KQ478 from Nairobi to Kigali last week.

“I wish we as Kenyans were a little bit more optimistic and we loved ourselves a little more. I wish we didn’t use derogatory language against our own institutions and our own leaders,” he said. 

Kilavuka went on to explain that flight KQ478 had to divert due to bad weather conditions.

“For example, last week, we were flying to Kigali. There were safety concerns, the pilots couldn’t land because it was very misty so they flew back. When they were told the weather had cleared, they did a second attempt but again because of safety concerns, they couldn’t fly. RwandAir also issued a statement saying they would delay flights. “You would have thought Kenyans would have applauded Kenya Airways but instead we got a lot of bile,” he added.

Recently, KQ has been on the spot on several occasions. Last week, reports alleged that the airline had to cancel flights due to a shortage of cabin crew.

However, KQ dismissed the reports saying; “It’s worth noting that the recent flight delays acknowledged by the airline are primarily attributable to logistical challenges related to the on-time delivery of spare parts, as transparently communicated earlier.” By Stephanie Wangari, The Standard