Euro lobbying efforts

DRC – Kenya: France’s Macron discreetly lobbies for Kenyan deployment in Goma

By Romain Gras, Benjamin Roger

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Posted on November 22, 2022 16:21

Presidents William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron. © Ludovic MARIN / AFP – Simon MAINA / AFP / Montage JA

As the regional force’s first Kenyan contingents arrive in Goma, France’s President Emmanuel Macron is pleading – behind the scenes – for financial support from the EU.

After waffling on his involvement in the Nairobi process, which his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta initiated, William Ruto obtained parliament’s approval on 10 November to deploy 903 soldiers in the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF).

Some 200 Kenyan troops have already taken up residence in Goma, where the EACRF headquarters is located.

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