YouCut_20231221_114534705
Kenyan troops depart Goma, DRC
The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) completed its withdrawal from Goma this morning, citing a mix of successes and setbacks during its stay in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kenyan troops boarded a plane at Goma International Airport in Eastern DRC on Thursday morning. They will be received by Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla.
Announcing the departure of the last troops, consisting of critical units and staff based at the force’s headquarters in Goma, Major General Alphaxard Kiugu said the force had achieved its mandate, but regretted that armed groups had returned to areas that the force had earlier vacated.
“Despite the successes, there remains several sticking points. Topping this list are the posturing of various armed groups in areas vacated by
EACRF, return of M23 in the initially vacated locations, proliferation of armed groups exploiting the existing gaps, inter-armed group clashes, negative propaganda against the regional force, the slow progress of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS),” he said during a press briefing at the force’s headquarters in DRC.
The EACRF was deployed to eastern DRC in November last year, at a time when the March 23 Movement (M23) was making landslide gains, seizing areas bordering Rwanda and Uganda, such as Bunagana, Rutshuru and Rumangabo in North Kivu, and threatening Goma and its environs.
Its mandate was initially for six months but was subsequently extended until September 8, 2023 and then until December 8, 2023, after which the DRC government decided not to renew it.
The mandate required the force to plan and conduct operations with the Congolese army, the FARDC, to defeat armed groups, to support the DRC in cooperation with humanitarian agencies, to continue humanitarian assistance to populations affected by armed groups and activities, and to support the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Community Recovery and Stabilisation Programme (P-DDRCS).
“This deployment registered varied successes in the Joint area of operation. Critical was the protection of civilians and the enforcement of the M23-FARDC ceasefire,” Maj Gen Kiugu said.
The force also helped open the main supply routes, preventing direct threats to the cities of Goma and Sake, which led to the gradual return of IDPs to their rural homes, particularly in Sake, Kirolirwe, Kitchanga and Mweso in Masisi territory, and in Kibumba, Rumangabo, Kiwanja and Bunagana in Nyiragongo and Rutshuru territories.
“Unfortunately, the ceasefire lasted between March 7 to October 6, 2023, when it was breached following the resumption of hostilities between M23 and FARDC,” he added.
“Handing over to SADC (South African Development Community troops, who have begun arriving in Goma) was not planned but I desired that we hand over to them before we exit. We did not have the opportunity to discuss it and that is why it has not happened. That is why M23 has taken advantage of the gap to return to vacated areas.”
He called on regional and international actors to continue supporting efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to eastern DRC.
“As North Kivu prepares to usher in the Southern African Development Community Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC), we wish them every success,” said the force commander.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.