Tension mounts between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the border as Lt. Col. Emmanuel Katabazi, deputy director general of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), Uganda’s spy agency , instructed his men to intensify intelligence gathering to forecast unrest that might topple “one or two” governments.
According to sources from intelligence and security agencies in DRC border districts, Uganda has placed these areas on high alert. The announcement comes as DRC President Felix Tshisekedi called on the East African Community Regional Force to stand down, saying it had failed in its mission. Speculation about a possible dismissal of the Congolese president is heard.
Lt. Col. Katabazi’s remarks raised concerns about strained relations between the DRC and its neighbours, Uganda and Rwanda. The governments of these two countries have been accused in the past of supporting rebel groups in the DRC, including the M23.
However, the situation in the DRC remains complex, with growing insecurity, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. In addition, last week, the SADC Heads of State Summit announced that a deployment of troops from this regional organization will take place in the DRC, in order to strengthen security and stabilize the political situation.
This situation, underpinned by strong political and security tension, reveals the importance of following developments in Central Africa, and more particularly in the DRC.