GOMA (DR Congo), Nov 19 (NNN-ALLAFRICA) — The East African Community’s armed force, led by Kenya, has vowed to protect the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels advance toward the city, which is home to one million people. The Kenyan commander of the force, Jeff Nyagah, said the city will be safe.
M23 fighters are reported to have advanced to within 20 kilometers of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, after the DR Congo forces abandoned their defensive positions.
East African countries agreed in April to send troops to the DR Congo to help stabilise the country’s eastern region, which has seen decades of conflict sparked by the presence of foreign rebel groups and fighting among local groups over control of the area’s mines, which produce gold, diamonds, tin and other valuable resources.
This week, former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta visited the eastern DR Congo. He called for increased humanitarian aid and for warring parties to engage in peace talks to find a solution to the conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions.
Meanwhile, Malawi Defense Force (MDF) is deploying 731 troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on peacekeeping mission.
This comes as rebels have intensified attacks in northern DRC, prompting the DRC government to employ volunteer combatants.
MDF Chief of Staff Major General George Jaffu has called on the soldiers to be professional and disciplined when executing their duties, after they deploy in January next year.
He made the remarks at Chikala Hills in Machinga during closing of a 12 weeks training for the soldiers.
US Ambassador to Malawi David Young said the United States is committed to supporting MDF peacekeeping training.
British High Commissioner to Malawi David Beer commended the MDF for being reliable global partners in restoring order in countries where there are wars and tensions. — NNN-ALLAFRICA
