After just 11 months in action, the East African force set up to curb militia violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been ordered to leave the country.
The Congolese government said it would not extend the East Africa Community (EAC) Regional Force’s mandate after months of Kinshasa complaining about the group’s ineffectiveness.
The decision not to extend the troops’ stay comes as violence between the M23 rebel group and pro-government militias erupts in DR Congo’s troubled eastern region once more.
The EAC’s soldiers have received repeated criticism from the Congolese government and civil society groups throughout their deployment.
President Tshisekedi has become one of the force’s main detractors. He has complained about the mission’s “lack of effectiveness”, issuing ultimatums for them to act more aggressively against the M23 or leave the country.
The failure to end the conflict has led to demonstrations against both the EAC force and Monusco. One such protest in September turned deadly, with more than 40 people losing their lives.
According to local media, Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya said: “The message is clear: the EAC regional force must leave the Democratic Republic of Congo by 8 December, as agreed, because it has not been able to resolve the problem, particularly that of the M23.”
Since entering DR Congo last year, the EAC force said it had overseen the withdrawal of armed forces from several areas like Karuba, Mushaki, Kiloriwe and Kitchange.
However, achieving complete stability has proven to be challenging. The force has faced logistical and operational difficulties.
On Tuesday, a mortar attack launched by rebels killed a Kenyan soldier attached to the force. He was the first Kenyan member of the force to be killed.
Earlier this month the EAC said its forces had faced hostilities because of propaganda perpetuated by armed groups.
REF: CNN
