The Ugandan army has dispatched troops to Mahagi, northeastern DRC, to confront local armed groups following a request from the Congolese army after civilian killings by Codeco. This intervention raises concerns about potential escalations in conflict, with Uganda already active in Ituri and a shared mission against ADF rebels. Tensions are exacerbated by the presence of M23, supported by Rwanda, prompting military denials regarding alleged genocide-linked fighters.
The Ugandan army has deployed troops to Mahagi, a town in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to combat local armed groups amid concerns about escalating conflict. Felix Kulayigye, a spokesperson for Uganda’s defense and military affairs, confirmed the deployment to French news agency AFP, stating, “Our troops have entered Mahagi town and we are in control.” This mission was requested by the Congolese army following reports of civilian massacres by the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco).
Mahagi is located in Ituri province, which borders Uganda. Reports indicate that armed groups affiliated with Codeco killed at least 51 individuals on February 10. Codeco claims to advocate for the Lendu community against the Hema community, primarily affecting farmers and herders respectively. Uganda already maintains a considerable military presence in Ituri as part of an agreement with the Congolese government, aimed at stabilizing the region.
In addition to Mahagi, Uganda operates a joint mission with the Congolese army to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels near the Ugandan border. Last month, Uganda announced that its forces had taken control of Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, indicating an expansion of its military efforts in the area.
The ongoing concerns about violence in the DRC are further complicated by the activities of the M23 group, which has gained control in the North and South Kivu provinces. This group is reportedly supported by Rwanda and has made significant territorial gains, including key cities like Goma and Bukavu. Meanwhile, the DRC’s military has denied allegations regarding the capture of fighters linked to the Rwandan genocide, suggesting that the video of their alleged handover to Rwanda was fabricated.
Rwanda’s actions have often been justified by citing the presence of FDLR fighters in the DRC. The M23 shared a video asserting that they had captured FDLR fighters and were handing them over to Rwandan authorities, prompting a strong denial from the DRC’s army, which called the incident a “faked incident in poor taste” designed to undermine their credibility. Concerns remain that the escalating involvement of both Uganda and Rwanda in the DRC could lead to a situation reminiscent of the Second Congo War, which tragically resulted in millions of deaths and wide-reaching consequences for the region.
The deployment of Ugandan troops in the DRC highlights the escalating conflict involving local militia groups and regional dynamics influenced by Rwanda. As the situation develops, there are rising fears of a broader war reminiscent of past regional conflicts. The complexities of local ethnic tensions and external military involvement necessitate careful monitoring to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
