“Fatshimetrie: Strengthening parliamentary ties between the DRC and Uganda”
A delegation from the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo began an official mission to Kampala, Uganda, on Tuesday, November 12, with the aim of strengthening diplomatic and parliamentary ties between the two neighboring countries. Led by Lambert Mende, elected representative of the Lodja constituency, this mission aims to discuss with the Ugandan parliamentary authorities on the promotion of constructive diplomacy for peace and regional cooperation.
During a preliminary meeting held before departure, the bureau of the National Assembly defined the terms of reference for this inter-parliamentary mission, highlighting the importance of bilateral coordination between the Congolese and Ugandan parliaments. This initiative follows discussions between the President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe, and his Ugandan counterpart, Anita Among, at the Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments in Accra, Ghana. The two presidents agreed to strengthen parliamentary cooperation to support the bilateral relations established between the governments of the two countries.
The objective of this mission is to improve the existing collaboration between the Congolese and Ugandan governments, with a focus on regional security. Indeed, the Congolese and Ugandan armed forces have recently decided to continue their joint operations against the ADF rebels in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. This military cooperation aims to strengthen the fight against armed groups active in the Great Lakes region.
However, despite these efforts, accusations persist about possible links between the Ugandan army and certain rebel groups, notably the M23. A recent report by UN experts reported Ugandan support for the M23 rebels, but Kampala has denied any involvement. These allegations highlight the complexity of regional relations and the challenges faced by actors involved in the stability of the region.
The recent visit of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to Uganda also marked a milestone in bilateral relations between Kinshasa and Kampala. Discussions between the two heads of state focused on various aspects of cooperation, and despite criticism and speculation, the exchanges concluded positively, highlighting the willingness of both countries to strengthen their partnership.
In conclusion, the ongoing parliamentary mission between the DRC and Uganda represents a crucial step towards enhanced collaboration and constructive exchanges for regional peace and security. Despite challenges and suspicions, the willingness of both countries to work together to promote stability and development in the region is a testament to a shared vision for a better future.