Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – In a shocking turn of events, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has ousted Maj. Gen. Jeff Nyagah, the East African Community (EAC) Regional Force Commander, due to his refusal to have the force he commands be deployed to the DRC. This breaking news was published on the 28th of April 2023, at 10:30 AM.
The EAC Regional Force is a security force established by the EAC to maintain peace and stability within the member states. The force is composed of military, police and civilian components, and is mandated to undertake peace support operations. However, this was not the case for the DRC.
According to sources, President Tshisekedi had requested the EAC Regional Force to be deployed to the troubled areas of the eastern DRC, where militia groups have been carrying out killings and kidnappings. The president was allegedly frustrated with the lack of progress by the national army in tackling the insecurity in the region.
However, Maj. Gen. Nyagah refused the president’s request, citing that the EAC Regional Force was not mandated to operate within the DRC. This refusal ultimately led to his ousting from his position.
The move has sparked debates across the continent, with some questioning the legality of the deployment of the EAC Regional Force in the DRC. Others have criticized President Tshisekedi for his attempt to use the regional force as a political tool.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Peter Kagwanja, a political analyst and founder of the Africa Policy Institute, stated, “The EAC Regional Force was established to offer support in cases of conflict, but it should not be used as a tool to advance political interests by individual member states. The move by President Tshisekedi is a clear indication of the lack of trust in the national army to maintain peace and security within the country.”
The situation in the DRC remains tense, with the national army struggling to contain the insurgency in the eastern region. The ousting of Maj. Gen. Nyagah has added a new dimension to the conflict, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.
In conclusion, the ousting of the EAC Regional Force Commander in the DRC has raised questions about the mandate of the regional force and the role of individual member states in its deployment. The move by President Tshisekedi has highlighted the challenges faced by the national army in maintaining peace and stability within the country. The situation remains fluid, and it is imperative for all parties involved to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in the region.
