Kenya deploys troops to troubled Democratic Republic of Congo

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Dozens of troops left Kenya on Tuesday on a peace-keeping mission aimed at heightening security and bringing stability to the troubled mineral-rich Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Kenyan military said Commander Kenya Army Lieut. Gen. Walter Koipaton saw off the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) at Embakasi Garrison in Nairobi who are headed to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

“I know you are very capable because I have seen you train during my visit at the pre-deployment training grounds and you are ready for this mission. I have no doubt that we have trained you to the standards required as you join other contingents,” Koipaton told soldiers.

The military said the contingent will play a key role in protecting civilians, provide security to UN personnel and installations as well as neutralizing armed militia groups in the DRC in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2556 adopted in 2020 that extends the peace keeping mandate until the end of 2021.

The Kenyan contingent will join others from Nepal, South Africa and Tanzania to form the Force Intervention Brigade and Koipaton urged troops to remain vigilant as they will be deployed to volatile areas, wished them the best and assured them of the military’s support while serving and their families at home.​​​​​​​