In a significant development, the regional force of the East African Community (EAC-RF), viewed as ineffective by Kinshasa, has initiated its withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after opting not to renew its mandate. A spokesperson for the EAC-RF on-site confirmed that the plane was heading to Nairobi, carrying only Kenyan military personnel. With the exception of the Burundians, they accused the regional force of coexisting with the rebels rather than compelling them to disarm. A Kenyan soldier from the regional force had been killed on October 24 by shell fragments. In addition to the EAC force, the United Nations mission, MONUSCO, formerly MONUC, has been present in the DRC since 1999.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 03, 2023 11:27 UTC