Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently received a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo to discuss strategies to counter the March 23 Movement (M23) terrorists in the east of the country. Congolese envoys, Antipas Mbusa and Tony Kanku, stressed the importance of working together to end insecurity in the region.
During this meeting, the Congolese representatives also discussed the joint operations carried out by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Ugandan regular forces (UPDF) against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), another terrorist group operating in the region. The two parties discussed the progress made in these operations and the need to continue efforts to eradicate these armed groups.
The exact content of President Félix Tshisekedi’s message has not been revealed, but it is likely to include strategic directives to implement the recommendations of the Uganda-DRC Mixed Commission. This commission aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fight against insecurity in eastern DRC.
President Museveni praised the diplomatic policy of President Tshisekedi, which aims to consult his African counterparts and involve them in the search for a lasting peace in the region. Collaboration between Uganda and the DRC is key to resolving security issues in the east of the country and ensuring stability in the region.
Since November 2021, joint operations between the FARDC and the UPDF have led to several victories against armed groups, in particular the ADF. Strongholds were recaptured and many fighters were neutralized. However, much remains to be done to ensure the safety of local populations and restore peace in the region.
The meeting between the Congolese envoys and President Museveni highlights the importance of regional cooperation in the fight against cross-border insecurity. By working together, countries in the region can strengthen their ability to fight armed groups and bring stability to eastern DRC.
It is essential that efforts to combat insecurity be supported by political and socio-economic measures. In addition to military operations, it is necessary to put in place development programs to improve the living conditions of local populations and reduce the root causes of insecurity.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Congolese envoys and President Museveni reflects the will of the two countries to work together to fight against insecurity in eastern DRC. This regional cooperation is essential to solve security problems and contribute to the stability of the region.. It is important that these efforts are accompanied by political and socio-economic measures aimed at improving the living conditions of local populations.