Force Commander EACRF meets MONUSCO Force Commander and North Kivu Military Governor
The Force Commander EACRF Maj Gen Kiugu met with FC MONUSCO Lt Gen Rodrigues and separately paid a courtesy call to North Kivu Governor/Military Commander Maj Gen Peter Cirimwani in Goma, to discuss the current security situation and its effect on Protection of Civilians.
The two commanders discussed the recent clashes between Armed Groups and the effect it has on the local population in the province.
Meeting the MONUSCO FC on Friday, 13 October 2023, Maj Gen Kiugu recognized the importance of collaboration among all actors and stakeholders towards finding a peaceful resolution to the underlying causes of conflict in the region.
He highlighted that the recent clashes between the Armed Groups affect the progress of the peace & stability efforts that EAC Heads of State continue to advocate for. Both agreed to ensure EACRF & FARDC cooperate guided by EACRF mandate in order to achieve the desired outcome.
During the meeting with MONUSCO FC, EACRF FC spoke of the need for timely strategic engagements between EACRF, MONUSCO & FARDC leadership on joint plans to address the security situation in Masisi, Nyiragongo & Rutshuru territories.
He reiterated the Force’s commitment to the implementation of the mandate and other directives of the EAC Heads of State, POC taking precedence.
Lt Gen Rodrigues commented that MONUSCO is ready to collaborate and support all efforts of EACRF and FARDC within the limits of the Force mandate.
He acknowledged that the deteriorating security situation attributed to the ongoing M23 and Wazalendo clashes in Masisi and parts of Rutshuru territory has led to mass displacement of locals aggravating the already existing humanitarian crisis.