NEWS – The spokesperson for the Ugandan contingent of the regional force, Captain Kato Ahmad Hassan, has emphasized the commitment of the Ugandan Contingent (UGACON) to uphold the EACRF Mandate until December 8, 2023.
Captain Kato clarified that the mandate of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) remains in effect until the specified date and has not lapsed.
This assurance comes at a time when the EACRF is in the process of withdrawing troops from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Notably, the initial group of Kenyan Contingent (KENCON) troops completed their one-year deployment and departed from Goma International Airport on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Captain Kato underscored that UGACON continues to execute its mandate as required, expressing readiness to withdraw upon receiving further orders if the mandate expires and is not extended.
“UGACON will persist in executing EACRF’s mandate until December 8th,” Captain Kato affirmed in a statement.
M23 Speaks.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the March 23 Movement rebels, strongly criticized the actions of the Burundi national defense forces and the Burundi contingent of the EACRF, accusing them of forming a unified Burundian force that attacks both M23 positions and the civilian population.
This, he claimed, occurred alongside the coalition forces of the Government of Kinshasa, including the FARDC, FDLR, mercenaries, and militia.
Kanyuka asserted that, by aligning with the coalition forces of the Government of Kinshasa, the Burundi Contingent of the EACRF is now considered an adversary. He issued a warning to the East African Community about the potential consequences of this development on the battlefield.
Kanyuka affirmed that the M23 will continue to defend itself and is determined to safeguard the civilian population that has become the target of attacks.
