Despite its own challenges to reestablish peace at home, South Sudan is deploying 750 troops to assist the East Africa Force in attempting to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
President Salva Kiir sent troops to the eastern province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo so that they could join a regional force in East Africa and put an end to decades of violence in that country.
The deployment of the troops, along with those from Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda, is considered a test of the East African Community’s capacity to quell regional unrest and maintain national stability.
Kiir urged the army to maintain the highest degree of professionalism when speaking to the military in Juba.
He declared, “You are now embarking on a mission to establish and maintain peace in Congo.” Since you will be taking part in a cooperative operation amongst all the nations of East Africa, your caps will now change to blue as you embark on a peacekeeping expedition. “I’m here to remind you that obeying commands and maintaining discipline are both necessary.”
Additionally, he gave orders not to conduct crimes like rape.
“The SPLA was well organised during the liberation battle.” “I don’t want you to go and create disruption or turmoil; don’t go and rape women and girls,” he said.
As a part of the East African region, South Sudan has a stake in the security and stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Angelina Teny.
“We were requested to contribute to a battalion, and after all of our planning, the battalion is now ready.” The president and commander in chief have just given them their last instructions, and they are presently en route to that operation “She Speaks.”
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According to Teny, the East African Community supported South Sudan’s troop deployment in the eastern DRC on a regional level. She characterised the nation’s force deployment as a wise decision by a nation dealing with its own security concerns.
As an area that continues to contribute to stability and peace, the South Sudanese flag will be flying today, and for that reason, she said, “We are quite proud today.” We have a fantastic opportunity to improve this nation’s reputation.
The military of South Sudan will be based in Goma. In the area where the Congolese military is battling the M23 rebel organisation, they will carry out operations to bring about a return to normalcy.
