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{
    "id": 1277304,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1277304/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 249,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Aden Duale",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Defence",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 15,
        "legal_name": "Aden Bare Duale",
        "slug": "aden-duale"
    },
    "content": "The second part of the Question was: what is our exit strategy for the KDF troops serving under EACRF from DRC? EACRF was first deployed for an initial mandate of six months that lapsed on 30th March 2023. Thereafter, under the leadership of the Heads of State, this was extended to 8th September 2023. To chart the way forward, a technical evaluation team comprising experts from all our member states was constituted at the last Heads of States and Governments Summit in Bujumbura. The main role of this team is to assess the EACRF’s mandate, its achievements, and the way forward and to render a report to the EAC Sectoral Council of Defence Ministers, which will take place between the 21st and 23rd of this month in Nairobi. Based on that report, restoring peace and security in Eastern DRC is the desired condition that will inform us of the military success and the eventual exit from the mission. Nevertheless, the conditions in DRC will culminate in Kenya’s and EACRF’s exit from DRC. Kenya will not be the only one exiting. All the multinational troops within EACRF, Kenya included, will exit. There are three conditions that the Government of Kenya can withdraw KDF from DRC: 1. If the EAC Heads of State and Governments fail to renew EACRF’s current mandate upon its expiry on 8th September. 2. If this House— through a Motion and with very good reason— asks the Executive and the National Security Council to withdraw KDF from Eastern DRC and EACRF. 3. In the event that the DRC withdraws its consent for EACRF to operate there. 4. If the mission becomes attainable in terms of security. These are the scenarios that the KDF can be withdrawn from EACRF. Our mandate is until 8th September. At the Defence Headquarters, we always have a plan to ensure that we can bring back our troops safe and sound in the event of the four scenarios. Hon. Speaker, KDF troops are not only serving under EACRF in DRC. We also have some special forces serving under the MONUSCO. We have over 250 quick response teams in the Eastern DRC, our special forces, and the communication and signal battalion. For EACRF, our mandate ends on 8th September 2023. The Council of Ministers, of which I am a member, will sit on the 21st and 23rd to look at the technical team’s evaluation report and the way forward. One week later, the Heads of State will meet. If they grant the extension, then we will remain in DRC. If the extension is not granted, I assure this House and the country that our troops will return home safely and securely. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}