The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in DR Congo, on Thursday, June 22 and Friday 23, conducted a reconnaissance exercise in the Rumangabo territory, together with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) and the Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism (AVM).

According to EACRF, the exercise was meant to assess the area’s suitability as a pre-cantonment site for the armed groups operating in the region.

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The reconnaissance follows a directive by the 21st EAC Heads of State Extraordinary Summit held on May 31, 2023, in Bujumbura, Burundi.

The summit recommended that the security situation in eastern DR Congo is a regional matter that can only be sustainably resolved through a political process and emphasized the need for enhanced dialogue among all the parties.

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The reconnaissance team was led by EACRF commander Major General Aphaxard Kiugu.

It also had MONUSCO Deputy Force Commander Major General Benoît Chavanat, EACRF Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Emmanuel Kaputa, Chief of Staff Brigadier General Michael Kibuye and other officers.

The AVM’s Chair Lt Gen Nassone João was also invited.

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