Kinshasa, DRC – (African Boulevard News) – Despite claims of progress, residents in eastern DRC claim that the East African Community (EAC) force is yet to expel rebels, namely the M23 movement, that captured large areas in North Kivu province. Reports show that the EAC force, also known as the Force Intervention Brigade, has lived up to some expectations, but much still needs to be done.
The EAC force is a military operation that comprises soldiers from Tanzania, South Africa, and Malawi. They were deployed to the DRC in 2013 and were tasked with the responsibility to combat the rebels and bring peace to the region. At the time, the M23 movement had taken control of large areas in North Kivu province and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
The EAC force, backed by the United Nations, was expected to bring an end to the conflict, but their progress has been slow. Residents in the affected areas claim that despite the presence of the EAC force, the rebels are still active and continue to disrupt their daily lives.
“Fighting and killings are still happening here. We don’t know if the EAC force is affected by corruption or what the issue is, but they are not doing enough,” said a resident in North Kivu province.
While the EAC mission commander, Major General James Aloizi Mwakibolwa, reported that they have made progress in the region, stating that “The population, especially women and children, are now feeling safe, security has improved, and economic activities have resumed,” residents claim that they are yet to experience such changes.
The EAC force has faced a lot of criticism due to their inability to bring peace to the region. Many people blame the slow progress on corrupt officials who allegedly collaborate with the rebels. Observers point out that the EAC force has also been hindered by the difficult terrain and a lack of intelligence reports.
Despite the challenges, the EAC force has vowed to continue their efforts in bringing peace to the region. In a recent statement, the mission commander stated that, “We will continue to work with other military and civil components of the United Nations Mission for the Stabilization of Congo to bring an end to the conflict.”
The EAC force has also received support from the international community, and a coalition of NGOs has urged governments to provide more resources to the EAC force.
The situation in eastern DRC remains tense, and while the EAC force has made progress, the region is far from achieving lasting peace. The EAC force faces an uphill battle, but they have vowed to continue their efforts and bring an end to the conflict.
