Kenya deploys troops to Congo to help end decades of bloodshed

A member of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) reacts after the flag presentation of the troops under the East Africa Community Regional Force (EACRF), ahead of their deployment to the Peace and Security mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, at the Embakasi garrison in Nairobi, Kenya November 2, 2022. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's President William Ruto on Wednesday officially deployed troops to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to join an East African regional force aiming to end decades of bloodshed.

The seven countries of the East African Community (EAC), which Congo joined this year, agreed in April to set up a joint force to fight militia groups in Congo's east. The Kenyan troops will join a contingent from Burundi.