The Kenyan and South Sudan Contingent troops under the East African Community Regional Force on Tuesday, 11 April 2023 deployed in Tongo within Rutshuru territory to enhance the Protection of Civilians, opening up the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Rumangabo-Kibumba-Goma Main Supply Route for free movement of people and goods for socioeconomic development and enhance humanitarian support to the population.
The deployment of the two contingents in the area follows a successful reconnaissance on Monday 10 April 2023 led by the Contingent Commander Colonel Daniel Rotich who assured the locals that the troops deployed in Tongo will work together with the population to enhance security in the region.
The Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Denis Obiero, who accompanied the troops to Tongo, said the deployment of the two contingents will enhance the dominance of the Rumangabo-Tongo axis through joint operations to secure the population.
Further, the presence of troops in the area and security thereof will facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons as well as the local administration towards restoring the social fabric.
The deployment is in line with the re-posturing of troops within Masisi and Rutshuru territories recommended by the Chiefs of Defence Forces/Chiefs of Defence Staff and approved by the Heads of State in the 17th February 2023 mini-summit in Addis Ababa that made the two territories a multinational sector.
Tongo is a strategic town located South West of Rutshuru town with a population of approximately 14,000 people whose main socio-economic activity is farming making it a bread basket for the population in Rutshuru and Goma town.
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