SSPDF troops that were part of the EACRF exit planes at Juba International Airport upon arrival from DR Congo. (Lul Ruai)

A contingent of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) that were part of the regional peace keeping mission in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo arrived in Juba on Friday, an army source has announced.

SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said in a short statement on his Facebook page, that the combatants were received by the Chief of Defense Force.

“Gen. Santino Deng Wol, SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces, addressing media upon arrival of own contingent from peace keeping mission in Goma, DR. Congo,” Lul posted.

“He (Gen. Deng) thanked the forces for their service and directed them to maintain combat readiness so that they could respond to any regional threat.”

The army spokesperson did not disclose how many peacekeepers arrived.

The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) began withdrawal on December 3, starting with the departure of about 100 combatants in a flight to Kenya.

This comes after DR Congo government said the force was not effective in combating rebellion and refused to renew its mandate.

The regional bloc first deployed the troops in the violence-plagued region in November 2022 after DRC authorities called for military help to liberate the areas taken by the M23 rebels.

But the future of the deployment was thrown into doubt after DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi accused the force of cohabiting with the rebels rather than forcing them to lay down arms.

Following a summit on 25 November, EAC announced that the DRC “would not renew the mandate of the regional force beyond 8 December 2023”.

At the same time, DRC signed an agreement on the status of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) force that will replace departing EAC Regional Force.