Uganda has deployed troops to the DRC’s Bunia to combat local militias accused of conducting massacres. This deployment coincides with ongoing threats from the M23 rebel group, which has been advancing in eastern Congo. Meanwhile, the UN has accused M23 of serious human rights violations, including attacks on civilians and humanitarian facilities.
On February 18, 2025, Uganda’s military announced the deployment of its troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically to the town of Bunia, aiming to combat local militia groups. The Ugandan army has attributed this decision to recent massacres perpetrated by militia factions, emphasizing the need for joint operations with Congolese forces to protect civilian lives. Spokesman Felix Kulayigye remarked that the cooperation between Uganda and the DRC is crucial for addressing the security crisis in the region.
Uganda has previously stationed troops in the Ituri province, where Bunia serves as its capital, collaborating with DRC forces to confront the Islamist group known as the Allied Democratic Forces, which has affiliations with the ISIS. The Chief of Uganda’s armed forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, issued a stern warning to rebel groups in Bunia, demanding that they surrender their weapons within 24 hours, threatening military action against those who do not comply.
The deployment of Ugandan troops coincides with increased threats from the M23 rebel group, which has received support from Rwanda. M23 is one of over 100 armed groups vying for territory in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals critical for global technology. Reports indicate that M23 has been making significant advances, including approaching Butembo, shortly after capturing Goma, and seizing Bukavu, another provincial capital.
On the same day, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk condemned the actions of M23, alleging that they have committed severe human rights violations, including the killing of children and attacks on humanitarian aid facilities. He noted that documentation from his office confirmed instances of summary executions of children, raising alarm over the recruitment of minors by both the M23 rebels and the Congolese military.
In summary, Uganda’s troop deployment to the DRC addresses a critical need to combat militia violence in the region. This action aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to stabilize eastern Congo amidst threats from the M23 rebel group and highlights the complex security dynamics involving multiple armed factions. The UN’s condemnation of the M23’s human rights abuses further underscores the urgency of the situation, calling for international attention to the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.dw.com
