On July 12, during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defence, Guy Kabongo, reported concerning developments. He claimed that while a humanitarian truce was being established, M23 rebels were forcibly recruiting young people and receiving continuous reinforcements of personnel and equipment from Rwanda and Uganda.
This marked a significant moment as it was the first recent instance of the DRC government accusing Uganda of supporting M23 rebels. Although National Assembly Speaker Vital Kamerhe had previously cited Uganda as one of Congo’s aggressors, the government had not officially backed these claims until now.
The accusation followed the release of a United Nations Group of Experts report, which also implicated Uganda. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces promptly rejected the allegations. Military experts like Nicaise Kibel Bel noted that the UN report did not present new information. He highlighted Uganda’s long-standing presence on Congolese territory since the 1990s, often accompanying Rwanda. However, Bel warned against the potential conflict between DRC and Uganda, emphasizing the complexity, bloodshed, and cost already burdening the region.
DRC authorities find themselves in a delicate situation. Government Spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated, “We need to take a look at the situation in Uganda and how to deal with it.” He pointed out the paradox of Ugandan soldiers dying alongside Congolese soldiers in Ituri and North Kivu fighting the ADF, originally Ugandan rebels, while simultaneously being accused of supporting the M23 rebels.
Since November 30, 2021, the Ugandan army has been collaborating with the Congolese army in a joint operation to track down ADF rebels responsible for numerous attacks in both the DRC and Uganda. This joint effort is one of the reasons Ugandan army spokesman Brigadier-General Félix Kulayigye rejected the UN report’s allegations. He asserted that Uganda does not serve as a base for the M23 but instead hosts refugees in accordance with UN policy.
Conclusion
As tensions simmer, the DRC navigates its accusations against Uganda with caution, mindful of the ongoing joint military operations and the complex regional dynamics. The situation underscores the intricate web of alliances and conflicts in the region, with both nations striving to avoid an open conflict while addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by rebel groups.
