EACRF-RESTRICTED Tel:+254721390710 EACRF -DRC. Email: cis-eacrfdre@mod.go.ke Force Headquarters When replying please quote Kyeshero Ref: EACRF/A/20/PERS GOMA And date 2 Tapri 2023 EAC SECRETARY GENERAL FORCE COMMANDER EAST AFRICA COMMUNITY REGIONAL FORCE - DRC EXIT FROM MISSION |, The Force Commander of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) present my compliments to you the Honourable Secretary General of the East Africa Community (EAC) and have the pleasure to inform you of my exit from the mission area due to an aggravated threat to my safety and a systematic plan to frustrate efforts of the EACRF. 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. Honourable Secretary General, there has also been a well-orchestrated and financed negative media campaigns targeted at my personality and direct written false accusations of EACRF’s complacency on the handling of the M23 group (see attached letters). This is further enhanced by the current push by the government of DRC to have the FC rotated every three (3) months which was not envisioned in the current mandate. Additionally, the recent suspension of the EACRF Facebook Account is an indication of possible sabotage of the Regional Force efforts. This is equally compounded by the goverment of DRC failure to pay administrative cost including Force Headquarters Offices, Staff Officers accommodation, electricity as well as salaries for civilian staff as per Article 9 (c) and (d) of the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA). Honourable Secretary General, itis with this in mind and further assessment that | have come to the conclusion that my security as the Force Commander is not guaranteed within the operation area. Further, the ongoing frustration has rendered my mission untenable hence the precautionary decision to exit the mission area. Honourable Secretary General, | express my profound gratitude to the EAC Heads of State, your Secretariat and the Chiefs of the Defence Forces/Staff for the support adcorded to me during the period of my leadership as the Force Commander - EACRF. Copy to: a ad Force Commander CDF BNDF EACRF-RESTRICTED