The East African Community Heads of State have extended the mandate of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) to stay in the Democratic Republic of Congo for three more months.
The current mandate of the EACRF will be expiring on Friday, 8th September 2023 and is to be extended from 9th September 2023 to 8th December 2023, pending an evaluation report from the council of ministers.
The decision was made at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, following a meeting between Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Evariste Nayishimiye of Burundi, Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, first Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda Rebecca Kadaga as well as Prime Minister Jean Sama of DRC.
According to a communique by the East African Community (EAC), the Heads of State took note of the operational milestones achieved by the EAC region force towards restoration of security in the Eastern DRC, pursuant to previous directives of the summit on the implementation of the EAC-led Nairobi process.
The presidents took note with appreciation of the financial contribution by the African Union Commission of 292 Million (USD 2M) towards the EACRF.
The Heads of State while applauding President Felix Tshisekedi for his commitment to restoration of peace in Eastern DRC, thanked Evariste Ndayishimiye President of Burundi and Chairperson of the summit of the EAC Heads of State for continued engagement and commitment towards supporting the people of DRC in their pursuit for sustainable peace and security.
The Heads of State also thanked President William Ruto of Kenya for warm and cordial hospitality accorded to them and their delegations during their stay in Nairobi.
The force include soldiers from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and South Sudanese soldiers.
