The Ugandan government plans to establish a dialogue with the terrorists of the Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF). According to Godefroy Kabianga, the Ugandan Minister of Communication and Media, this initiative aims to put an end to the violence suffered by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda because of these attackers who attack the civilian population.
A commission has been set up to seek out the leaders of the ADF-MTM in order to put an end to this violence. The Ugandan government has shown a willingness to engage with them. Godefroy Kabianga affirmed that the terrorists would be ready to dialogue, which would have already been started by the former rebel leader ADF Kisokeranyo and the former minister Kiwanzanga. These negotiations would be an opportunity to restore peace in these regions.
“Fighting, we do, but if there are possibilities to dialogue with them, we can, because this is not the first time that the Ugandan government has dialogued with the rebels”, declared the Minister of Communication and Media.
The ADF have been operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo for almost 10 years and mainly target the civilian population. According to statistics, more than 10 people were killed, others abducted and injuries were recorded. The Ugandan government, which has engaged with rebel groups in the past, believes a peaceful approach remains a viable option before resorting to force.
This initiative is to be welcomed, as it testifies to a desire to promote peace in the regions concerned. Negotiations with rebel groups, despite their extreme violence, could be the best option to end attacks against civilians and restore peace in these areas.