On May 18, 2023, Major General Alphaxard Muthuri Kiugu became the EACRF’s new commander in its headquarters in Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.
His appointment is meant to bring some stability to the mission after Maj. Gen. Jeff Nyagah quit and was given another assignment.
The Deputy Force Commander, representatives from the Congolese government and army, Colonel Michael Walaka Hyreba, the commander of the Uganda contingent, and commanders from other contingents were also present.
Maj. Gen. Alphaxard replaces Maj. Gen. Jeff Nyangah, who in his resignation letter, said he was leaving because of concerns for his safety after consistent harassment by forces he described as ‘mercenaries’.
Maj. Gen. Kiugu will be in charge of a number of significant tasks, one of which is deciding how long the soldiers would stay in the DR Congo.
Due to Kinshasa’s disapproval of the EACRF’s mandate and allegations of “cohabitation” with the M23 rebel group, the regional force’s mandate expired in March and has not been publicly renewed since.
Major General Alphaxard congratulated the leaders of the East African Community Regional Force in his acceptance speech for their efforts to advance international peace and put an end to the protracted conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Gen. Kiugu stated, “I appreciate your efforts in enforcing security in the region and improving the security of the civilians.”
Maj. Gen. Kuigu reassured the Goma town residents of the safety of their city and exhorted them to carry on with their business and charitable pursuits.
In addition to promising collaboration and consultation with his other EACRF commanders, the new commander pledged to serve with integrity.
He also thanked the Congolese government for putting their trust in him and giving him the freedom to lead and direct EACRF at the strategic level with reference to security matters in the country.
He asked his commanders to regularly examine their work and consult when necessary.
The Government of the Republic of #Kenya has appointed Major General Alphaxard Kiugu as the new Force Commander of East African Community Regional Force #EACRF.
Major General Alphaxard Kiugu replaces Maj Gen Jeff Nyagah who has since been re-assigned other national duties. pic.twitter.com/5fOrodKxZW
— East African Community (@jumuiya) May 1, 2023
