EAC refutes allegations of collaboration with armed groups in Eastern DR Congo

APA – Kigali (Rwanda) –  The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat in Friday said it was  deeply concerned by the increasing hostilities perpetrated by Armed Groups in the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Joint Operations Area in North Kivu in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and rejects allegations of collaboration with armed groups.

“We are deeply concerned with the unfounded allegations and negative propaganda labelled against the EACRF Contingents, which imply collaboration with Armed groups. Such allegations aim to negate the hard work and gains made by our EAC Regional Force, who are making all efforts to restore Peace and Security in eastern DRC. The EACRF is dedicated to working closely with the Government of the DRC and other stakeholders with a focus on facilitating the opening of Main Supply Routes (MSRs), enabling the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes and enhancing the overall protection of civilians,” Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, EAC Secretary General, said in a statement seen by APA in Kigali.

According to him, these hostilities have tragically resulted in the loss of lives, injuries and displacement of civilians.

“Such actions stand in stark contrast to the envisioned peaceful resolution of the conflict through the EAC-Led Nairobi Process. It is imperative to emphasise that the forces from the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda, who are currently deployed in the region, have strictly adhered to the code of conduct and established procedures outlined in the Status of Forces Agreement and international laws. These regulations include the Protection of Civilians, a principle that is of paramount importance”, Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki deplored.  

Furthermore, according to Dr Mathuki,  the operations conducted by EACRF are meticulously guided by its mandate and strategic guidance given from time to time by the Summit of EAC Heads of State. The deployed troops are unwavering in their commitment to upholding International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict, ensuring the protection of all civilians affected by the conflict.

In view of the above, the EAC Secretary General calls upon all parties involved in the conflict to respect the ceasefire and exercise restraint as directed by the Summit of Heads of State. Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki wishes to reassure the people of eastern DRC and other stakeholders that the EACRF is committed to fostering peace, stability and security in North Kivu and require support of the entire region.

“We therefore urge the International Community to continue supporting the EAC endeavours in pursuing a peaceful resolution to this devastating conflict. Together, we can facilitate the creation of a secure and tranquil living environment for the people of Eastern DRC,” Dr. Mathuki said.

The security situation in the Eastern DRC is destined for worse as the Burundi army is accused of allegedly joining arms with the Congolese army FARDC to fight the M23 rebel movement that controls vast areas in this part of the country.

“Kinshasa forces FARDC and its allied militia; FDLR, NYATURA, APCLS, CODECO, PARECO, NDC-R, MAI MAI, MERCENARIES and Youth Militia are supported on the front line by the Burundian defense forces to attack the M23,” the M23 Movement said in a statement.

However, these allegations were quickly denied by the Burundian army deployed in North Kivu as part of the EAC regional force, which claims to act everywhere with professionalism, one of its main values.

CU/abj/APA