The regional force in East Africa has begun withdrawing from the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that the troops were first deployed in the region in November last year at the request of the Congolese government in the hope of containing the resurgent M23 rebel group.
But Kinshasa has since criticised the East African force as ineffective, and has refused to renew its mandate.
Two contingents of about 100 Kenyan soldiers flew out of the airport in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, early on Sunday.
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DR Congo is scheduled to hold a general election on 20 December.
Monusco – with more than 16,000 personnel – is the second largest UN mission globally and has become increasingly unpopular in recent years.
It has been criticised for failing in its mission to bring about stability in eastern DR Congo, recently sparking protests in the region.
Africa Today News, New York reports that last year, a Monusco special representative of the UN secretary general told the BBC that the peacekeeping mission would be evaluated amid the deadly protests, in which dozens were killed.
In another report, the Government of Congo has debunked viral reports about a Sunday coup attempt against President Denis Nguesso who has been in power for 38 years, dismissing them as false and unfounded.
Mr. Thierry Moungalla who is Congo’s Minister of Information debunked the claims on Monday via a tweet on his X handle which was sighted by Africa Today News, New York.
Africa Today News, New York reports that the 78 year old Nguesso has spent 38 years at the helm of the country in central Africa. He was president from 1979 to 1992, then returned in 1997 after a civil war, and has remained in power ever since.