Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently met with President Félix Tshisekedi’s envoys to discuss strategies to counter the March 23 Movement (M23) terrorists in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During this meeting held in Kampala, the Minister of Regional Integration, Antipas Mbusa, and the High Representative of the Head of State, Tony Kanku, presented President Tshisekedi’s message to President Museveni. Although the exact content of the message has not been revealed, it is likely to relate to the implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Uganda-DRC Joint Grand Commission and strategic issues related to security in the region.
This meeting follows the joint operations carried out by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Ugandan regular forces (UPDF) since November 30, 2021 to fight against cross-border terrorist groups, in particular the ADF, in the territories of Beni and Irumu. These operations made it possible to dismantle several rebel camps and regain control of certain strategic areas.
President Museveni commended President Tshisekedi’s diplomatic policy, which prioritizes consultation and participation of his African counterparts in the search for lasting peace in eastern DRC.
This meeting marks an important step in the cooperation between the DRC and Uganda in the fight against the armed groups that are rampant in the region. The continuation of these joint efforts is crucial to achieving stabilization in eastern DRC and guaranteeing the security of the populations.
In conclusion, the meeting between the emissaries of President Tshisekedi and President Museveni testifies to the will of the two countries to work together to face the security challenges in the region. This enhanced cooperation is an important step towards the search for lasting peace in eastern DRC and represents hope for the populations who are directly affected by the activities of armed groups