The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Sunday airlifted an advance party of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops and their logistics from South Sudan’s Juba International Airport to Goma International Airport in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The troops arrived at Goma under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) onboard two Kenya Air Force Spartan CJ27 military transport aircraft.
In a statement by South Sudan President Salva Kiir read by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs General Chol Thon ahead of the departure, he said he was confident that the SSPDF troops under EACRF would carry out their mission professionally.
Further, Kiir said the troops are well-trained and oriented to uphold International and Humanitarian Law.
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On Tuesday, April 3, 2023, the EACRF Deputy Force Commander Brig Gen Emmanuel Kaputa, the Kenyan Contingent Commander Col Daniel Rotich, and staff officers met more troops at the same airport from Force Headquarters.
The Deputy Force Commander urged them to collaborate closely with their Joint Operation Area peers to bring peace and stability.
“We have a mandate and mission as EACRF, that we must work hard towards accomplishing," said Brig Kaputa.
Samuel Nandwa, Kenya's ambassador to South Sudan, expressed his gratitude for the Kenya Defense Forces' assistance.
His words were mirrored by acting Foreign Minister Deng Dau Deng, who hailed Kenya's brotherly assistance and reaffirmed the government's dedication to regional security and peace.
Gen Santino Deng Wol, Commander of Defence Forces of the SSPDF, praised the Kenya Air Force Officers and said that because the SSPDF and KDF are brothers, their cooperation should continue as they embark on their combined operation the Eastern DRC under the auspices of the EACRF.
As ordered by the Heads of State during the 20th Extraordinary Summit held in Bujumbura on February 4, 2023, the deployment of SSPDF is the last phase of EACRF forces into Eastern DRC.
The Kenyan Contingent will be housed alongside the SSPDF at Rumangabo Forward Operating Base.
Their arrival represents a crucial and important turning point for improving peace and security in Eastern DRC.
In addition to protecting civilians, enhancing the orderly and sequential withdrawal of M23 to the designated cantonment areas, and opening up the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Rumangabo-Goma and Kitchanga-Sake-Goma Main Supply Routes, the full deployment of EACRF will also support the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) of all armed groups in Eastern DRC.
To assist in containing the M23 threat, the troops are in the DRC.
