Ex-ATMIS Sector II Commander exits DR Congo peace mission

NAIROBI, Kenya - A former Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] Sector II Commander in African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] has left ongoing peace operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo [DR Congo] with his exit bringing about confusion globally amid M23 attacks targeting civilians.

Major General Jeff Nyagah has been the Force Commander of the newly created East Africa Community Regional Force [EACRF] whose mission was first launched in DR Congo where the M23 rebel group has been wreaking havoc, killing hundreds of people in the process.

Just moments after his exit, a letter dated April 27 made rounds on social media suggesting that he may have resigned due to "persistent threats" to his life and "frustrations" mounted by the government of Congo. The letter further suggested that mercenaries had mounted "surveillance drones" in his compound.

He also cited, among other items, the suspension of the mission's Facebook page by the DRC government and the failure by the same government to pay administrative costs, salaries, and electricity bills at the EAC Force headquarters.

But in a rebuttal, KDF dismissed the claims as "fictitious and spurious" in a statement published later on Friday moments after President William Ruto effected routine changes in the Kenyan military. The changes, which also saw a top overhaul in KDF leadership, saw Nyagah being recalled for the deployment of other duties in Western Command.

Upon the recommendation by the Defence Council, KDF said, William Ruto appointed "Maj Gen Jeff Mungai Nyagah as the General Officer Commanding Western Command [GOC WESTCOM] after a successful 6-month tour as the first Force Commander, East Africa Community Regional Force [FC EACRF] -DRC."

He will be replaced with another KDF officer Maj Gen Alphaxard Muthuri Kiugu according to the earlier communication made by KDF. Nyagah is known for his exploits in the ATMIS mission where he is credited for the stabilization of Jubaland state which KDF uses as a buffer zone in the war against Al-Shabaab militants who are seeking to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE