Kenya Defence Forces provided Strategic Airlift and Logistics Support to the Contingent from South Sudan’s Juba International Airport to Goma International Airport in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On Sunday 2nd April, 2023, an advance party of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops and their logistics, under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), arrived at Goma on board two Kenya Air Force Spartan CJ27 military transport aircraft.
Kenya’s Charge d’ Affaires a.i to South Sudan Mr. Grephas Ogutu acknowledged and appreciated the support by Kenya Defence Forces. “Today, we are here as a country and neighbour to facilitate the movement of the SSPDF that is going to East African Regional Force for peace keeping Mission, and we hope that all the team will undertake its duties,” Mr. Ogutu added. Mr. Ogutu was accompanied by the Kenya Defence Attaché, Col. Duncan Owino.
His sentiments were echoed by the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Deng Dau Deng who welcomed the brotherly support of Kenya and reiterated the government’s commitment to regional peace and Security.
The SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen Santino Deng Wol thanked the Kenya Air Force Officers, saying SSPDF and KDF are brothers whose collaboration should continue even as they set out for the joint operation in Eastern DRC under EACRF.
