NAIROBI, Kenya, May 19-Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu assumed office as the Commander of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Thursday.
He takes over Major General Jeff Nyagah who is now serving as the General Officer Command (GOC WESTCOM) Western.
The newly appointed Force Commander brings extensive experience in military leadership, command, and management in peace support operations.
He previously served as a Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Repatriation Officer with the UN Mission in Eastern DRC from 2003 to 2004.
Additionally, he served as the Defence Liaison Officer in Kenya’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Upon his arrival at the Force Headquarters, Major General Kiugu was welcomed by Brigadier General Emmanuel Kaputa, the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) in charge of Intelligence and Operations, Brigadier General Ndorarigonya Gregoire, DFC Administration and Logistics, Brigadier General Michael Kibuye, Chief of Staff, as well as Contingent Commanders and other Force Headquarters Staff Officers.
During his address to the EACRF officers in attendance, the Force Commander acknowledged the significant achievements made by the Regional Force since its deployment in November 2022.
These accomplishments include the successful withdrawal of the M23 from previously occupied areas and other tasks such as the protection of civilians and providing humanitarian support in the operational zones of the contingents.
Major General Kiugu emphasized the importance of adhering to the Status of Force Agreement and Rules of Engagement, urging the contingents to continually review their tactics in line with the evolving dynamics of the mission.
He encouraged the contingent commanders to share their experiences to enhance the overall effectiveness and success of the Regional Force.
“I am here to build upon the accomplishments of Major General Jeff Nyagah, and based on my assessment, you have performed admirably. However, there are lessons we can learn from past experiences that will enable us to further improve towards achieving our desired end state,” he said.
“I believe in cooperation and teamwork, and I want to remind each one of us that we are united as the people of the EAC, with a shared objective of bringing peace to the citizens of Eastern DRC affected by insecurity.”
The Force Commander expressed gratitude to the Heads of State of the EAC for their decision to establish a force aimed at strengthening the ongoing peace efforts, as well as the Government of DRC for its support and facilitation.
He urged everyone to remain focused on the goal and continue their efforts to ensure the full withdrawal of the M23 from the previously occupied areas, in accordance with the Luanda Roadmap.
“We will maintain collaboration and cooperation with all stakeholders operating in the region, including various civil society entities, in order to leverage each other’s efforts and ideas,” added the Force Commander.
