Title: A Technical Assessment Visit of the East African Community Regional Force to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Introduction:
As part of the technical assessment of the mandate of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), a team recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this visit, the team visited the localities of Rumangabo and Kibumba, located respectively in the territories of Rutshuru and Nyiragongo. This visit was part of efforts to assess the security situation in the region and take appropriate measures to ensure peace and stability.
The visit to Rumangabo:
The delegation began its visit to Rumangabo, considered the site of the pre-cantonment of the M23. During this stage, she exchanged with the commander of the EACRF troops based in the area, in order to better understand the security situation on the ground. This meeting provided valuable information on the challenges that the team will have to face to guarantee the safety of the local population.
The visit to Kibumba:
After Rumangabo, the delegation traveled to Kibumba, where it also met the commander of the Kenyan troops present in the area. This meeting made it possible to assess the collaboration between the various regional forces engaged in the region, and to discuss the measures to be taken to strengthen security in the region.
Interviews with local authorities:
In addition to meetings with military commanders, the head of the delegation also met with the chief of the locality of Kabaya and his group from the Kisigari groupement. These exchanges made it possible to take into account the specific concerns and needs of local populations, in order to adapt the actions of the EAC Regional Force accordingly.
Continuation of the visit and perspectives:
The last stage of this assessment visit is planned in the entities of Mubambiro and Kilolirwe, in the territory of Masisi, where the contingents of the Regional Force of the East African Community are deployed. This last step will make it possible to complete the assessment of the security situation in the region and to define the actions to be taken to ensure the protection of local populations.
Conclusion:
The technical assessment visit of the East African Community Regional Force to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an essential step in efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. By going to the field, the assessment team was able to gather valuable information and establish contacts with local actors, which will enable it to take appropriate measures to respond to the region’s security challenges. Collaboration between the various regional forces engaged in the region is also a key element to ensure the effectiveness of the actions undertaken.. The continuation of this assessment visit and the implementation of the necessary measures will contribute to creating a safe and stable environment for the local populations of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.