NAIROBI,Kenya, Aug 10 – Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton Monday saw off the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) proceeding to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) at Embakasi Garrison.
The contingent are expected to play a key role in protection of civilians, provide security to United Nations personnel and installations as well as neutralizing armed militia groups in DRC in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2556 (2020).
In his address, the Commander Kenya Army acknowledged that the troops were ready for the task as they have undergone training on all aspects of the mission as per KDF and UN requirements.
“I know you are very capable because I have seen you train during my visit at the pre-deployment training grounds and you are ready for this mission. I have no doubt that we have trained you to the standards required as you join other contingents,” said Lt Gen Koipaton.
The Commander noted that the forces are being deployed to a mission that falls under Chapter Seven of the UN Security Council.
Lt Gen Koipaton urged the troops to diligently serve towards delivering on the mandate and strictly observe the rules of engagement so as to remain a credible force as has been demonstrated before in other missions.
He called on the troops to be true Kenyan ambassadors and cultivate good relations with the people of Congo and other contingents operating in the area.
The Commander further urged the troops to remain vigilant as they will be deployed to volatile areas in the vast DR Congo.
“I wish you the best and I assure you of KDF support, to your families I also want to tell you you are in god hands,”
The Kenyan contingent joins Nepal, South Africa and Tanzania to form the Force Intervention Brigade.
The decision to deploy KDF was agreed during a state visit to DRC by President Uhuru Kenyatta in April, 2021.
The President discussed security issues and other areas of collaboration with his counterpart President Felix Tshisekedi.
The Kenyan troops will work under the mission where they will be assigned to battle militias.
According to the bilateral agreement the troops will be deployed to the eastern part of the Central African country.
KDF soldiers have represented Kenya in Peace Support Operations since 1979 when Kenya, a Member State of the United Nations, deployed troops in Rhodesia, present day Zimbabwe.
In line with UN Member State obligations, Kenya has reliably participated in several UN Peace Support Operations across the globe including the MONUSCO.
Presently, Kenya has deployed military staff officers and military observers to MONUSCO under the UNSC Resolution 2556 (2020).
Since 1979, Kenya has deployed more than 55,000 troops in various peacekeeping missions.
Security in the eastern DRC has deteriorated with the recent case being the killing of Italy Ambassador Luca Attanasio, his bodyguard and a World Food Programme driver.
For years, trade between Kenya and DRC has been insignificant because of insecurity in the central African country.
It is expected at least 1,000 Kenyan soldiers will join the peace keeping efforts in Congo.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
