Kenya declares war on DRC Congo rebels as Ruto deploys troops
Kenya declares war on DRC Congo rebels as Ruto deploys troops in the troubled eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President William Ruto announced Wednesday the deployment of troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in a joint regional operation against a rebel offensive.
Speaking at a ceremony in Nairobi, Ruto said the troops were “on a mission to protect humanity”.
“I have the honour to officially flag off the Kenya contingent to the Eastern DRC and wish you good luck and God’s blessings as you execute the mission’s peace support mandate under the East African Community regional force,” he said.
“As neighbors, the destiny of DRC is intertwined with ours,” he added.
“We will not allow any armed groups, criminals, and terrorists to deny us our shared prosperity.”
Ruto said that by sending troops, Kenya was sending a signal to the world of Kenya’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations by contributing to the achievement and maintenance of peace and stability in the East African region.
Leaders of the East African Community (EAC) agreed in April to establish a joint force to help restore security in the region.
Kenya will command the force, which will also include soldiers from Burundi, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Armed groups in eastern DRC have stepped up attacks, reviving ancient animosities and unleashing a surge in tension with neighboring Rwanda.
The M23 rebels, a mostly Congolese group, resumed fighting in late 2021 after lying dormant for years, accusing the DRC government of failing to honour an agreement to integrate its fighters into the army.
Fresh advances by the militia across North Kivu province last month prompted the UN peacekeeping mission there to increase its alert level and boost support for the Congolese army.
The M23’s resurgence has had resounding repercussions for relations in central Africa.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the militia, claims denied by Kigali.
On Saturday, Kinshasa decided to expel Rwanda’s ambassador. In turn, Rwanda accused Kinshasa of being “on the path of continued military escalation.”
The increase in violence has alarmed the international community, with the African Union appealing for a ceasefire.
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