Concerns about the mission’s effectiveness have been exacerbated by the retirement of the Kenyan commander of a regional force intended to confront militia violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern area.
In April of last year, the seven countries of the East African Community (EAC) launched the EACRF military force in an attempt to halt decades of conflict in Congo’s east.
However, its mandate expired last month, and different EAC leaders have differing views on how the organization should operate; for example, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi prefers a more aggressive stance than the peacekeeping mandate proposed by others.
Major General Jeff Nyagah, the force’s commander, resigned in a letter dated Thursday, claiming an “aggravated threat” to his safety and a “systematic plan” to undermine the force’s operations.
Diplomatic and Congolese government sources confirmed the letter’s authenticity.
Nyagah alleged in it that foreign military contractors were ordered to check his residence and install monitoring devices in January, forcing him to flee.
Among the “negative media campaigns” he claimed to be the target of were accusations that the EACRF was too lenient with the M23 rebel group, which launched an offensive in east Congo last year.
He claims that the Congolese government is attempting to rotate the commander post every three months.
Nyagah went on to say, “As Force Commander, my safety is not guaranteed.” My job has become difficult due to the continual irritation.
The Congolese administration and military were both unavailable for comment. Former Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya acknowledged that foreign military contractors were serving as “instructors” in the Congo.
The Kenyan Defense Ministry stated on Friday that Nyagah had been assigned responsibility for operations inside the nation.
Congo has been openly critical of the EACRF since the beginning of the year, accusing it of failing to rein in the M23. The expansion of its mission is currently being discussed.
