APA – Kigali (Rwanda) – The incoming East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Commander Maj. Gen. Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu from Kenya assumed office in Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo effective Friday, an official source confirmed to APA.
The new Force Commander replaces his compatriot, Maj Gen Jeff Nyagah, who – it is believed – resigned in April citing “an aggravated threat” to his personal safety.
This was about a week after DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi cast a shadow over the mandate of the EAC regional force deployed to his country’s conflict-ridden eastern region.
During a visit to Botswana on Tuesday, May 9, the Congolese leader indicated that EACRF might leave his country in June if the results of its mission are not satisfactory.
According to the regional body, the Kenyan officer brings to the mission wealth of experience in military leadership, command and management in peace support operations having been previously deployed as a Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation Officer while serving with the UN Mission in eastern DR Congo (MONUSCO) from 2003 to 2004.
Reports indicate that Maj. Gen. Kiugu has also served as Defence Liason Officer in Kenya’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
The regional force has toorps from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan.
CU/as/APA