KDF ordered back to Kenya immediately after fallout with Ban Ki-moon

Joe Goga

November 3, 2016 11:51 AM

Lt-Gen Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki, the commander of the UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan, was sacked by Ban Ki-moon on November 1 2016 following a damning report that showed failure to protect civilians during violence in Juba earlier this year.

___5700470___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5700470___2016___11___3___9___KDF+mbl_1

The report from a UN special investigation found that a lack of leadership in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) caused the death of dozens of civilians in Juba when government forces engaged rebels loyal to disposed Vice President Riek Machar. UN accuses UNMISS of failing to protect civilians.

The Kenyan government reacted in fury following the sacking of Lt-Gen Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki. In a statement to the media, Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the decision by the UN chief saying it will didn’t offer solutions to quell the violence in the war-ravaged South Sudan.

“The Government of Kenya is convinced that the manner in which the United Nations and its Independent Special Investigation have handled this grave matter will not address the root causes of the unfortunate incidences in South Sudan nor does it offer a sustainable solution to the recurring violence in South Sudan.” The statement read in part.

The statement by Foreign Affairs Ministry also directed that the over 1000 Kenyan troops involved in peace keeping mission in South Sudan to return back home immediately.

“It (Kenya) has therefore decided to reject the decision to dismiss Lt. Gen. Johnson Ondieki, as well as the offer to nominate a replacement, Withdraw, immediately, Kenyan troops currently in deployment in South Sudan, and discontinue plans to contribute to the Regional Protection Force, and disengage from the South Sudan Peace Process.”

Joe Goga