In a surprising turn of events, the East African force established to combat militia violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has been instructed to exit the country after just 11 months of deployment.
The Congolese government, citing concerns about the group’s perceived ineffectiveness, announced its decision not to extend the mandate of the East Africa Community (EAC) Regional Force. This decision follows several months of grievances and complaints from Kinshasa regarding the force’s ability to address the ongoing security challenges in the region.
This decision comes at a critical juncture as violence between the M23 rebel group and pro-government militias reignites in DR Congo’s troubled eastern region, raising concerns about the stability and security of the area.
What was the regional troop’s mandate?
The East African Community (EAC), a coalition of seven nations, dispatched its troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in response to renewed clashes involving the M23 rebel group. This deployment was swiftly organized after DR Congo’s entry into the regional alliance.
The M23, which was formed over a decade ago, has seized significant swaths of territory in the eastern part of DR Congo, claiming to protect the interests of ethnic Tutsis against Hutu militias that it believes receive support from the government.
The first wave of troops came from Burundi in August of the previous year, followed by contingents from Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Kenya assumed overall command of the EAC’s Regional Force.
The Regional Force’s mission officially revolves around overseeing the withdrawal of armed groups from territories they have occupied. However, the Congolese government and local communities have been pressing for direct military engagement against groups like the M23.
This force was established to collaborate with the United Nations troops already stationed in the country. The UN peacekeeping force, known as Monusco, has faced growing criticism for its inability to quell the conflict over its 25-year deployment.
President Félix Tshisekedi expressed his desire for Monusco to withdraw from the country by December.
In a recent statement, the EAC emphasized its commitment to working closely with the government to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced individuals to their homes and enhance the overall protection of civilians.
The mandate of this mission has been extended twice since its inception.
Why does DR Congo want East African troops to leave?
The EAC’s troops have faced consistent criticism from both the Congolese government and various civil society organizations since the beginning of their mission.
President Tshisekedi, in particular, has emerged as one of the primary vocal critics of the force. He has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with their perceived ineffectiveness and has issued ultimatums, demanding more assertive action against the M23 rebels or their departure from the country.
The inability to bring an end to the ongoing conflict has triggered protests against both the EAC force and Monusco. In one such demonstration in September, the situation escalated into a tragic event, resulting in the loss of over 40 lives.
Local media reports have indicated that Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya emphasized the government’s stance, stating, “The message is crystal clear: the EAC regional force must vacate the Democratic Republic of Congo by December 8, as previously agreed upon, as it has not been able to resolve the issue, especially with regard to the M23.”
What has the EAC force achieved?
The EAC force claimed that since arriving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last year, it has supervised the removal of armed personnel from a number of locations, including Karuba, Mushaki, Kiloriwe, and Kitchange.
Nevertheless, attaining total stability has shown to be difficult. The force has encountered operational and logistical challenges.
A Kenyan soldier serving with the force was killed on Tuesday by a rebel mortar attack. He was the first soldier from Kenya to be killed.
The EAC claimed earlier this month that hostilities had arisen between its forces and armed groups due to propaganda.
Why has fighting resumed?
The mineral-rich eastern region of DR Congo has been grappling with numerous armed groups for an extended period.
After an unstable six-month truce, clashes have reignited this month between the M23 rebels and pro-government forces, known as Wazalendo.
The government based in Kinshasa accused the M23 of failing to disarm and honor the ceasefire. In retaliation, the M23 placed responsibility on pro-government forces for restarting hostilities.
While DR Congo’s army claims it is still adhering to the truce, witnesses on the ground dispute this assertion, indicating that soldiers and pro-government loyalists have been jointly battling the M23.
Civilians have been ensnared in the renewed violence, with reports of at least 60 individuals losing their lives in attacks on the Rutshuru territory in North Kivu just last week, as confirmed by a local official.