Uganda has deployed troops to Mahagi, northeastern DRC, to combat local militias amid fears of escalating conflict. This deployment, requested by the Congolese army, aims to address the violence attributed to the militia Codeco, which has claimed numerous civilian lives. The situation is exacerbated by the M23 group’s territorial gains, raising concerns of a broader war in the region.
On Sunday, Uganda’s army confirmed the deployment of troops to Mahagi town in northeast Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to combat local armed groups amid concerns of an escalating conflict. Felix Kulayigye, Uganda’s defense and military affairs spokesman, stated that the Ugandan forces have established control over the area following a request from the Congolese army due to severe violence attributed to the militia known as the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco). This militia’s alleged massacres, which resulted in the deaths of at least 51 individuals on February 10, have heightened fears of further instability in the region.
The Ituri province, where Mahagi is located, has been a focal point of conflict, particularly between the Lendu and Hema communities. Codeco claims to represent Lendu farmers against Hema herders. Uganda already maintains a significant military presence in other regions of Ituri as part of an agreement with DRC, focusing on combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists close to the Ugandan border. Last month, Ugandan forces reported having secured control of Bunia, the capital of Ituri province.
The situation in DRC has intensified, particularly with the M23 armed group, which has gained control over parts of the mineral-rich eastern territories, including major cities like Goma and Bukavu, following support from Rwanda. Meanwhile, the DRC military refuted claims that fighters associated with the Rwandan genocide had been captured, denouncing a video depicting their handover to Rwanda as fake. This incident further complicates the already tenuous relations between the DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda.
The Rwandan government has historically used alleged FDLR activity in eastern DRC as justification for its backing of the M23. In reaction to recent events, Congolese military officials condemned the video presented by M23 as a maneuver aimed at discrediting their forces and as part of a broader Rwandan strategy to rationalize its military involvement in the DRC.
Analysts express concern that the increasing military engagements by Uganda and Rwanda in eastern DRC may rekindle the devastating conflict known as the Second Congo War, which claimed millions of lives due to violence and associated humanitarian crises.
In summary, the recent deployment of Ugandan troops to Mahagi, DRC, arises from a request by the Congolese army amidst fears of heightened violence from local militias. The situation is complicated by the activities of the M23 group and accusations between Rwanda and the DRC regarding military actions. Analysts warn that these developments could lead to larger scale conflict reminiscent of past wars in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
