The UPDF has launched military operations in Mahagi, DRC, against CODECO following a massacre that left 52 dead. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has vowed to eliminate CODECO, urging fighters to surrender as UPDF solidifies positions for further offensives. This move highlights Uganda’s strategic ambitions to secure its borders and combat insurgency in the region.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have undertaken a significant military operation by advancing into Mahagi in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This action targets the notorious Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in response to a recent CODECO massacre that resulted in the deaths of at least 52 individuals in Djugu, Ituri Province.
The massacre, attributed to CODECO, involved the violent attack of three villages in Djugu, leading to civilian casualties and the destruction of over 30 houses. Reports from civil society sources confirm a death toll of 52, while local reports suggest the fatalities might be as high as 80 individuals, raising alarm over CODECO’s brutality.
In retaliation to the mass killings, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, proclaimed a determined stance to annihilate CODECO. He urged CODECO fighters to surrender, threatening complete destruction if they did not. His statements on X (formerly Twitter) emphasized the urgency of action against CODECO, stating, “We shall hunt them until the end of time!! CODECO is still killing our people in Djugu, Fataki, and Mahagi.”
Shortly after General Kainerugaba’s declaration, UPDF forces proceeded into Mahagi. Military sources indicate that UPDF troops are securing critical positions in the area, preparing to conduct further operations targeting CODECO strongholds in Djugu and Fataki, regions currently under siege by CODECO militants.
The Congolese Army (FARDC) has struggled to counter CODECO’s violence, which has plagued Ituri since 2014, resulting in numerous civilian deaths under the guise of tribal defense. As CODECO continues its violent raids, tens of thousands of individuals remain displaced, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Amid military actions, General Kainerugaba announced Uganda’s strategic intentions in eastern DRC, asserting that UPDF would seize full control over the border region. He stated, “Well, now the UPDF is going to capture the entire DRC border with Uganda. From Lubero north! That is our sphere of influence.”
As the UPDF consolidates its control over Mahagi, confrontations with CODECO in Djugu and Fataki are imminent. General Kainerugaba called for national support for the troops advancing in the region, expressing gratitude and urging prayers for their bravery: “Please pray for our brave troops who are even now advancing on Mahagi.”
The aggressive military stance of Uganda in eastern DRC marks a pivotal shift in the ongoing conflict against CODECO and ADF, potentially reshaping the security landscape of the Great Lakes region.
The UPDF’s military entry into Mahagi signifies a robust response to CODECO’s recent atrocities in the DRC. With a focus on annihilating CODECO and securing the region, General Kainerugaba’s directives demonstrate Uganda’s commitment to addressing insurgent threats and stabilizing its borders. The situation reflects a serious escalation in attempts to restore peace in the Great Lakes region amidst persistent violence.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
