The first batch of the fourth contingent of the Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 4) has departed for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday to bolster the UN peacekeeping force operating in the country's volatile eastern region.
The troops will be engaged in various operations, including combating armed groups, protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian efforts, and facilitating the disarmament and reintegration of former combatants, the Kenya Defense Force said in a statement.
The force will be integrated into the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC, which aims to stabilize the eastern provinces plagued by ongoing violence from armed groups.
“Our men and women are prepared for the task ahead. They have undergone rigorous training and are equipped with the necessary skills to execute this mission effectively. We are committed to contributing to the restoration of peace and stability in the DRC,” said Lt. Col. Simon Seda, the commander of KENQRF 4.
Eastern Congo has faced decades of instability due to numerous armed groups, forcing thousands of people to seek refuge in camps, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Since March 2022, an estimated 6.9 million individuals have been displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Despite the presence of troops from several African nations including Burundi, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi, violence persists in the region. On Sunday, heavy fighting resumed between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group in the Lubero district of North Kivu province.