By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has assured the public that Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains unaffected by the activities of the M23 rebel group.
“Our borders are still safe, and we will ensure they continue to be secure. We have all the capabilities to maintain border safety despite the situation in DRC,” the UPDF stated.
The remarks were made by the deputy defense spokesperson, Col. Deo Akiiki, during a media engagement on the UPDF Tarehe Sita Celebrations at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday.
The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) is in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of Operation Shujaa, a joint mission with the Congolese army (FARDC) to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group responsible for attacks in Uganda and the eastern DRC. The operation, launched in November 2021, aims to dismantle ADF bases, neutralize fighters, and enhance security along the Uganda-DRC border, following an agreement between the two governments to address the threat and restore stability in the region.
Col. Akiiki emphasized that UPDF troops in the DRC are working in coordination with the Congolese army, FARDC, to ensure border security and stability.
Over the weekend, social media was awash with videos allegedly showing M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, patrolling Goma, the largest city in Eastern DRC. The rebel group claimed to have captured the city. However, the DRC government refuted these claims, maintaining that its forces still controlled key areas of Goma.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Minister of ICT, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, called for peaceful negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels to restore stability in the region. He also urged for regional collaboration to address the crisis in the DRC.
“If there is unrest in DRC, it could spill over into Uganda,” Baryomunsi stated.” “When our neighbors seek refuge in Uganda, we open our borders. However, we have implemented measures at the borders to screen everyone entering the country for security and health purposes.”
In a related development, East African Community (EAC) Chairperson, Kenyan President H.E. William Ruto, has called for a meeting of regional leaders to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the DRC. He also urged Rwanda and the DRC to implement a ceasefire.
Minister Baryomunsi revealed that the meeting, which will be held virtually, will involve only heads of state and focus on finding a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.
