Title: Joint FARDC-UPDF operations: a fruitful collaboration for stability in eastern DRC
Introduction :
In a historic meeting between the Congolese and Ugandan military authorities, Major General Kasongo Maloba, Commander of “Sokola 1 Grand Nord” Operations, and Major General Dick Olum, Commander of the Ugandan Army Mountain Division, assessed the joint operations carried out between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Ugandan Army (UPDF) to fight against armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This strategic collaboration has achieved several objectives, including the recovery of areas formerly controlled by armed groups and the restoration of security for local populations. However, despite these successes, there is still a lot of work to be done to completely eradicate armed groups and bring lasting peace to the region.
Positive results obtained:
Major General Kasongo Maloba highlighted the successes achieved through joint FARDC-UPDF operations. The recovery of the Kambi ya Jua and the RN4 of Beni-Kasindi, formerly under the control of armed groups, allowed the population to circulate in complete safety. Several hostages were also freed during these operations. These results show the effectiveness of the collaboration between the two armies in the fight against armed groups and the restoration of security in the affected areas.
Unfinished business:
Despite the successes recorded, Major General Kasongo Maloba recognizes that the work is not yet finished. The complete eradication of armed groups remains an objective to be achieved. To achieve this, it is essential that the FARDC and the UPDF continue to work hand in hand, sharing information and coordinating their efforts on the ground. This enhanced collaboration will help to achieve even more positive results in ongoing operations.
The search for a lasting peace:
The joint FARDC-UPDF operations have restored calm in several areas of Beni territory, but it is crucial to maintain this long-term stability. For this, it is necessary to strengthen the capacities of the Congolese security forces, to promote the socio-economic development of the affected areas and to encourage the participation of local communities in the construction of peace. This will ensure that armed groups cannot regain ground and threaten the security of populations.
Conclusion :
The collaboration between the FARDC and the UPDF in joint operations against armed groups in eastern DRC has shown its effectiveness in allowing the recovery of territories and the release of hostages. However, it is important to underline that the work is not done and that additional efforts must be made to completely eradicate the armed groups and guarantee a lasting peace in the region. Strengthened collaboration between the two armies and the involvement of local communities will be essential to achieve this objective. This is how stability can be restored in the east of the DRC, thus offering a real prospect of development and prosperity for the local populations