Uganda has reportedly provided support to the M23 rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as detailed in a United Nations report seen by Reuters on Monday. Escalating clashes in the area are raising fears of a renewed all-out conflict.
Refuting any involvement, Uganda emphasises its close collaboration with Congolese government forces.
The United Nations has consistently accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has frequently seized significant portions of mineral-rich eastern Congo. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these allegations.
Congo has been plagued by conflict for decades. Uganda and Rwanda intervened in 1996 and 1998, citing defence against local militia groups as their rationale.
In ongoing efforts, Uganda is collaborating with Congolese troops to combat a Ugandan rebel faction through joint military operations.
Since 2022, the Tutsi-dominated M23 rebels have launched a new rebellion in the conflict-ridden eastern region of Congo.
In November 2022, Ugandan troops were among a regional contingent deployed to oversee a ceasefire with the M23 rebels.
Congolese authorities requested the withdrawal of the force last year, citing its ineffectiveness.
“The U.N. Security Council’s Group of Experts reported that since the resurgence of the M23 crisis, Uganda has not hindered the presence of M23 and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) troops on its territory or their passage through it.”
This report was submitted to the U.N. Security Council Sanctions Committee in late April and subsequently shared with Security Council members in June.
According to the U.N. group, evidence has surfaced suggesting active support for the M23 by military and intelligence officials, with leaders of the M23, including the sanctioned Sultani Makenga, traveling to Uganda for meetings.
According to the U.N. group, evidence has been disclosed indicating direct military and intelligence support for the M23, with leaders of the M23, including the sanctioned Sultani Makenga, visiting Uganda for meetings.
Akiiki remarked, “It would be irrational for us to destabilise the very region we are striving to stabilise at great cost.”
According to the U.N. report, approximately 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers were engaged in combat alongside the M23 against the Congolese army.
The experts noted that the Rwandan army’s effective control and guidance of M23 operations also make Rwanda accountable for the actions of the M23.
Rwanda responded by alleging that Congo was funding and collaborating with a Hutu rebel faction, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which has targeted Tutsis in both countries.
Rwanda government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told Reuters, “The DRC has the power to deescalate the situation if they choose to do so, but until then Rwanda will continue to defend itself
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