The Kenyan government has announced the withdrawal of its troops from South Sudan.
This comes after the sacking of UNMSS force Commander Lt. General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki.
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed its dismay in the manner in which the United Nations and its Independent Special Investigation handled investigations into the conduct of peacekeepers during an attack on civilians by South Sudanese government troops in Juba.
“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 government stated that its continued deployment of troops in South Sudan is no longer tenable and is inimical to their safety and well-being.
“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.”