Leader Of East African Peacekeeping Force Resigns Over Harassment

The Kenyan commander of the East African Community Regional Force deployed to halt the advance of an armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resigned, citing harassment as his reason. 

Major General Jeff Nyagah stated in his resignation letter that he was leaving due to safety concerns following persistent harassment by groups he referred to as "mercenaries."

He also discussed the effects of "well-orchestrated and well-financed negative media campaigns" against him personally as well as "false accusations" about the alleged complacency of the regional forces in dealing with the M23 militia.

The group began fighting in 2021, capturing sizable portions of the North Kivu province of the DRC.

Although Kigali denies it, Kinshasa accuses neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23, a charge that is supported by United Nations experts and Western nations.

The East African peacekeeping force consists of thousands of soldiers, including those from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan.

They are tasked with working to reduce the deadly tensions in the area where the troubled populace is impatient for effective peace.

Several armed groups have been committing acts of violence in the eastern DRC for almost 30 years. In the province, the East African Community has been working to establish peace.