President William Ruto on Wednesday announced that troops from the country would be deployed to the conflict-torn eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to serve as part of a regional force that includes soldiers from Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan on a mission that was “necessary and urgent.”

“This deployment is significant and urgent as it responds to the collective aspirations of a sustainable peace in our region. We owe our brotherly duty to DRC until the job is one,” President Ruto said.

The President who was speaking at Embakasi Garrison when he flagged off the Kenyan contingent under the auspices of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), added that Kenya’s participation in EACRF continues a proud legacy of peace keeping by the Kenya Defence Forces.

While asking the 900 troops to discharge their mandate professionally, the President said; “East Africa countries have a collective responsibility to work together toe end conflicts and violence that deny the region the space to prosper.”

Armed M23 insurgents in the east of DRC have stepped up attacks reigniting long-standing regional tensions particularly between DRC and Rwanda. That prompted leaders of the East African Community (EAC) to agree in April to establish a joint force to help restore regional security.

President Ruto said the troops were “on a mission to protect humanity.” “As neighbours, the destiny of DRC is intertwined with ours,” he added.

Kenya will command the force, which will also include soldiers from Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan.

DRC has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23, an accusation that authorities in Kigali have denied.