Image: COUERTESY
The commander of East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Maj Gen Jeff Nyagah has resigned.
In a letter seen by The Star, Maj Gen Nyagah cited constant harassment and smear campaigns in media as the reason for his exit.
He said the harassment has been a making of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which has been calling on the EACRF's command to be rotational, after every three months.
"Honourable Secretary General, as you are aware, there was an attempt to intimidate my security at my former residence by deploying foreign military contractors (mercenaries) who placed monitoring devices, flew drones and conducted physical surveillance of my residence in early January 2023 forcing me to relocate," his letter reads.
"Honourable Secretary General, there has also been a well-orchestrated and financed negative media campaign targeted at my personality and direct written false accusation of EARCRF's complacency on the handling of the M23 group."
The EACRF has been on a peacekeeping mission in the DRC.
It comprises soldiers from EAC member countries including Kenya Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan.
Maj Gen Nyagah also cited among other reasons; The suspension of EACRF's Facebook page by the DRC government and failure by the same government to pay for administrative costs for Force headquarters offices, staff officers accommodation, electricity and salaries for civilian staff who are supporting the peace mission.
"The recent suspension of EACRF Facebook account is an indication of possible sabotage of the Regional Force efforts."
