The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced plans to strengthen military cooperation with neighboring Uganda. The DRC’s presidency confirmed the decision, stating that President Félix Tshisekedi has given clear directives to intensify collaborative efforts between the two nations, aimed at eradicating violence and restoring stability in the conflict-ridden province.
President Tshisekedi’s directive includes the formal approval of Ugandan troop deployments in eastern DRC, signaling a deepening of military ties between the two countries. Ituri, located in the northeastern part of the DRC, has been grappling with decades of armed conflict, with various rebel groups, militias, and insurgents contributing to the instability. These groups have not only caused significant loss of life and displacement but have also stymied development efforts in the resource-rich region.
During a high-level meeting in Kinshasa, attended by key military officials from both countries, the specifics of this intensified cooperation were discussed. Among the attendees were the Ugandan Ambassador to the DRC, Farid Kaliisa; Commander of the Ugandan Land Forces, General Kayanja Muhanga; and senior military officials from the Congolese army, led by General Christian Tshiwewe, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). This gathering underscored the urgency with which both nations are addressing the situation in Ituri.
The collaboration between the DRC and Uganda is not new but has gained renewed importance in light of the persistent challenges posed by armed groups in the region. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a notorious rebel group with roots in Uganda, has been a significant source of violence in Ituri and neighboring North Kivu province. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians, leading to widespread fear and displacement in the area.
By strengthening military cooperation with Uganda, President Tshisekedi is hoping to leverage Uganda’s experience in counter-insurgency operations to weaken the influence of these groups and create a more secure environment for civilians in Ituri. The decision to deploy Ugandan troops in eastern Congo is part of a broader strategy to conduct joint military operations against the ADF and other armed factions destabilizing the region.
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