DR Congo : Gov’T Reiterates Demand For EAC Troops Departure

Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reiterated their wish to see the departure of the East African Community Regional Forces (EACRF) by December 8, 2023 after maintain their refusal to extend any further mandate for the troops. The current EACRF mandate was extended, for the second time in October for three months and will expire on December 8, 2023. On Saturday, October 28, 2023, the officials said in a communique that, appropriate documents have been sent to the leaders of the East African Community. After just 11 months in action, the East African force set up to curb militia violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is said to have failed in its mission. 
The EACRF's soldiers have received repeated criticism from the Congolese government and civil society groups throughout their deployment. President Tshisekedi has become one of the main complainers against the forces. He has complained about the mission's “lack of effectiveness”, issuing ultimatums for them to act more aggressively against the M23 or leave the country. The failure to end the conflict has led to demonstrations against both the EACRF force and MONUSCO. One such protest in September, 2023 turned deadly, with more than 40 people losing their lives. 
Since entering DR Congo last year, the EAC force says it had ove...