The Ugandan army has dispatched troops to Mahagi, northeastern DRC, to combat local militias amid fears of wider conflict. This follows the Congolese army’s appeal due to recent violent incidents attributed to the militia Codeco. Uganda’s military presence in the region is significant, as it continues efforts to stabilize Ituri province against groups like the ADF and the M23.
On Sunday, the Ugandan army announced its deployment of troops to Mahagi, a town in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in efforts to combat local armed groups amid concerns of escalating conflict. Uganda’s defense spokesman, Felix Kulayigye, confirmed to AFP, “Our troops have entered Mahagi town and we are in control.” This move follows requests by the Congolese army, prompted by recent civilian massacres attributed to the militia Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco).
Codeco, which claims to advocate for the interests of the Lendu community against the Hema community, was reportedly responsible for the deaths of at least 51 individuals during incidents in February. The Ugandan military previously had established thousands of its troops across Ituri province under agreements with the Congolese government and has been involved in combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels near the border.
In January, Uganda declared that its forces had gained control of Bunia, which is the provincial capital of Ituri. The situation in Ituri remains precarious as it borders the provinces of North and South Kivu, which have experienced instability due to the M23, an armed group allegedly backed by Rwanda, taking over substantial areas, including major cities like Goma and Bukavu.
Furthermore, on the same day, the Congolese army refuted claims that they had captured 20 fighters linked to Rwandan genocidal forces, deeming a video showcasing their alleged handover to Rwanda as “faked.” This event transpired after the M23 claimed responsibility for capturing members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group established by Hutus involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Rwanda has frequently cited the FDLR as justification for its support of the M23. In a recent statement, the Congolese armed forces characterized the M23’s actions as a deliberate attempt to undermine their credibility, stating, “This is part of the Rwandan strategy to justify the invasion of parts of the DRC’s territory.” Analysts express concern that the involvement of both Uganda and Rwanda in Eastern DRC may result in echoing the devastating Second Congo War, which lasted from 1998 to 2003 and led to millions of fatalities from conflicts, disease, and famine.
The recent deployment of Ugandan troops to northeastern DRC underscores escalating tensions in the region, particularly with rising violence from armed groups like Codeco. The situation is complicated further by the presence of the M23 and allegations of Rwandan intervention, which could potentially lead to broader conflict reminiscent of past wars in the region. Close monitoring and international diplomatic efforts are crucial to prevent a deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
