Uganda is deploying troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo to assist in fighting local militias, specifically in Bunia, Ituri province. This deployment aims to counter the rising violence attributed to militia groups, including the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda, as well as to address humanitarian concerns highlighted by the UN.
On February 18, 2025, Uganda announced its military deployment to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to combat local militia groups. The Ugandan troops will be sent to Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, where they had been previously engaged in collaborative operations alongside DRC forces against militants like the Allied Democratic Forces.
The Ugandan military justified its action by reporting that militia groups were responsible for violent massacres in eastern Congo. Felix Kulayigye, the military spokesperson, stated, “There were massacres being committed by some militia groups and we agreed with our Congolese counterparts to carry out joint operations to save lives.” This deployment is part of ongoing military efforts in the region.
Additionally, Ugandan armed forces chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued a warning to local rebels, demanding the surrender of their arms within 24 hours or face military action. On the same day, reports indicated that Burundi was withdrawing its military personnel from eastern Congo, potentially altering the dynamics of regional security cooperation against threats like the M23 rebel group.
The backdrop of this deployment includes the ongoing conflict involving the M23, a powerful rebel faction supported by Rwanda, which has recently gained control over key areas in eastern Congo, such as Goma and Bukavu. As they push towards Butembo, humanitarian concerns grow amid allegations of serious rights violations committed by the rebels, as noted by UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
In summary, Uganda has decided to deploy troops to the DRC to combat escalating violence from local militias, specifically addressing the massacres reported in the eastern region. The efforts are part of coordinated military operations alongside Congolese forces against groups like the ADF and the advancing M23 rebels. Amid operational changes like Burundi’s troop withdrawal, the situation remains complex and fluid, heavily impacting regional security and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.dw.com
