Major General Kiugu who was welcomed on on Thursday May 18, 2023, brings a wealth of experience in military leadership, command, and management in peace support operations.
He previously served as a Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Repatriation Officer with the UN Mission in Eastern DRC from 2003 to 2004.
Additionally, he has served as a Defense Liaison Officer in Kenya’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Upon his arrival at the Force Headquarters, Maj Gen Kiugu was received by the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) in charge of Intelligence and Operations, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kaputa, the DFC Administration and Logistics, Brigadier General Ndorarigonya Gregoire, Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Michael Kibuye, Contingent Commanders, and other Force Headquarters Staff Officers.
In his address to the EACRF officers present, the Force Commander acknowledged the significant milestones achieved by the Regional Force since its deployment in November 2022. These milestones include the withdrawal of the M23 from previously occupied areas and the successful execution of tasks such as the protection of civilians and humanitarian support in the operational areas.
Maj Gen Kiugu instructed the contingents to operate in accordance with the Status of Force Agreement and Rules of Engagement.
He also advised them to regularly review their tactics to remain effective in the ever-changing dynamics of the mission. Furthermore, he encouraged the contingent commanders to share their experiences for the success of the Regional Force.
“I am coming to pick up where Major General Jeff Nyagah left off, and according to my assessment, you have done well. However, there are lessons we can learn from past experiences that will enable us to improve and achieve the desired end state. I believe in cooperation and teamwork, and I want to remind each one of us that we are one people of the EAC with the common objective of enabling the citizens of Eastern DRC affected by insecurity to realize peace,” Maj Gen Kiugu stated.
The Force Commander expressed gratitude to the EAC Heads of State for establishing a force to support the ongoing peace efforts and to the Government of DRC for their facilitation.
He urged everyone to remain focused on the mission’s aim and to continue their efforts to ensure the complete withdrawal of the M23 from previously occupied areas, as outlined in the Luanda Roadmap. Maj Gen Kiugu emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration with all stakeholders operating in the region, including various civil society entities.
On May 1, 2023, the Ugandan Contingent troops under the East Africa Community Regional Force (EACRF) deployed in Mabenga, marking the completion of the contingent’s deployment in the Joint Operation Area.
The full deployment of troops in the Eastern DRC has led to the observance of a ceasefire. The EACRF remains resilient, committed, and determined to the peace and stability process in Eastern DRC while upholding and respecting the DRC constitution, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
DRC President Tshisekedi recently threatened to expel the East African Regional Force (EACRF) if their mission does not meet expectations by June.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the regional force’s operational problems and their failure to engage with the M23 rebels.
While the East African Community is satisfied with the work done by their forces, the DRC has criticized them for not executing their mandate, which they consider offensively based.
Tanzanian President Samia Suhulu Hassan recently reminded the public of the non-offensive nature of the troops, while Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni reiterated that the mission of his country’s contingent was to enforce agreed-upon regional agreements, not to do the DRC’s job.
Kenya’s Foreign Minister, during a visit to Kinshasa, reminded everyone of the mandate’s nature as a “buffer force,” led by Maj Gen Alphaxard Kiugu.
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