Kenya’s 5th Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 5) has intensified patrols in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid rising tensions following alleged ceasefire violations.
The unit carried out a long-range foot and vehicle patrol into Mayimoya village, located 23 kilometres northeast of their main base in Mavivi. The operation aimed to protect civilians and deter armed groups amid rising tensions in the region.
This action came just days after President William Ruto witnessed the signing of a peace accord between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, an agreement facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump on December 4.
During the day-long operation, Kenyan peacekeepers moved through Mayimoya village and its surrounding areas, engaging local leaders to demonstrate a strong UN presence in a region prone to attacks.
The KDF confirmed that the operation was conducted to provide additional reinforcement to United Nations troops, with whom they are serving, to protect local Congolese civilians until national forces can take over full responsibility.
The patrol comes as Rwanda accused the DRC and Burundian armies of violating the Washington Accords, in a statement issued on 10 December 2025.
Kigali also accused Kinshasa of failing to fulfill key provisions of the peace agreement, such as neutralising the FDLR militias, which have contributed to delays in resolving the conflict.
“The responsibility for ceasefire violations, ongoing attacks, and fighting in South Kivu, DRC, cannot be placed on Rwanda. Rwanda condemns the Congolese Army (FARDC) and the Burundian Army (FDNB), together with its coalition of the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border,” the Rwandan Foreign Ministry said.
“The Burundian Army has amassed close to 20,000 troops in South Kivu in the service of the Government of DRC, and notably laid siege to Banyamulenge villages in Minembwe in a deliberate attempt to starve the residents.”
At the same time, Rwanda also criticised the international community for failing to respond to recent developments and called for the urgent implementation of the Washington Accords.
“A return to full implementation of the Washington Accords is an urgent priority, as is the conclusion of the remaining annexes of the Doha Agreement between DRC and AFC/M23. This is the most viable path forward for peace, stability and prosperity in the Great Lakes region,” the statement read.
On Monday, both the DRC and Burundi accused Rwanda of violating the agreement, brokered by President Trump, which aimed to end the long-running conflict.
