DRC has been accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group after resuming fight with Congolese Army (FARDC). Following the resurgence of the rebel group which accused DRC of failure to implement Nairobi peace accords signed in 2013, M23 has so far captured different areas including Bunagana town situated at the border with Uganda.
To find a lasting solution, East African countries agreed on the deployment of a joint regional force to fight armed groups in eastern DRC.
Speaking to Aljazeera; the President of Kenya, William Ruto has reiterated his country’s commitment to deploy troops because the issue of DRC affects the entire region.
He explained that the deployment was thoroughly discussed.
“I have had an occasion to have a discussion with President Tshisekedi, and I have also had an opportunity to speak to President Kagame. He has been forthright that they have nothing to do with M23. There are other people who think otherwise but we do not want to engage ourselves in blame games and finger pointing. We have to get our hands on it and sort out the issues,” he said.
“The good thing is that both President Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi are committed to making sure that we sort out that problem as a region. And that is why all our countries are contributing troops to stabilize that region,” added Ruto.
He hailed the contribution of his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta through the Nairobi process and reiterated commitment to continuing the journey to restore peace in DRC.
Deployments has begun
Congolese President, Felix Tshisekedi recently agreed that regional troops continue to arrive in his country where Kenyans are expected in the near future.
Speaking to France 24 and RFI, Tshisekedi said that there are no specific timelines or deadlines for arrival but confirmed that Burundian troops are already deployed in DRC.
He explained that Uganda will send a small number of troops compared to other regional countries including Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania.
DRC has however boycotted the deployment of Rwandan troops amidst the ongoing tensions.
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