The DRC has summoned Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires to clarify remarks made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba about foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC. Kainerugaba’s threats against these mercenaries have escalated tensions, prompting the DRC to demand an official response from Uganda. The situation is further complicated by ongoing accusations between the DRC and Rwanda, emphasizing the fragile state of regional relations.
On December 18, 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) summoned Mr. Matata Twaha Magara, Acting Chargé d’Affaires of Uganda, in response to statements made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ugandan Defense Forces. The meeting, called by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, aimed to clarify General Kainerugaba’s remarks regarding President Félix Tshisekedi and the purported activities of foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC.
The controversy began with a post from General Kainerugaba on December 16, 2024, in which he threatened action against foreign mercenaries operating in eastern DRC, declaring, “I’m going to give only ONE WARNING to ALL white mercenaries… From 2nd January 2025, we will attack all mercenaries in our area of operations.” He emphasized his commitment to eradicate these mercenaries in the coming year. Observers suggest his comments might have targeted foreign operatives from Bulgaria’s Agemira group and Romania’s RALF, who have been supporting the Congolese military against M23 rebels.
The DRC government has consistently argued that these individuals are trainers enhancing the capabilities of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), not mercenaries. In light of these claims, the DRC has requested formal clarification from the Ugandan government regarding General Kainerugaba’s statements and the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Following the outcry, General Kainerugaba expressed intentions to foster peace through a post on X, stating, “I shall visit my big brother (President Tshisekedi) in Kinshasa soon. It will be the first time I have stepped in Kinshasa in 22 years!” Despite his conciliatory remarks, the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted on the need for official clarification from Uganda. This incident has intensified existing tensions at a time when the DRC is grappling with complex regional issues.
Similarly, Rwanda has leveled accusations against the DRC, alleging the deployment of mercenaries and militia groups to undermine its stability, which the DRC vehemently denies. Instead, Kinshasa has highlighted what it perceives as Rwandan support for M23 rebels as the root cause of unrest in eastern Congo. Such tensions spotlight the fragile relations between the DRC and Uganda amidst ongoing regional challenges.
The current diplomatic tensions between the DRC and Uganda stem from a series of provocative statements made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba regarding foreign military involvement in eastern DRC. The DRC’s concerns center around the presence of foreign trainers assisting its military against rebel groups, which the Ugandan side has called mercenaries. These dynamics are exacerbated by accusations from Rwanda against the DRC for allegedly supporting destabilizing forces within its borders. As regional stability remains precarious, these developments threaten to further strain relations between neighboring countries.
In summary, the DRC’s summoning of Uganda’s envoy highlights mounting tensions triggered by General Kainerugaba’s controversial statements on foreign mercenaries. The DRC demands clarity on these remarks amidst broader regional instability. Both nations must navigate these diplomatic challenges to prevent further deterioration of their relations, especially given the backdrop of accusations between the DRC and Rwanda regarding military interventions. A peaceful resolution is paramount for maintaining regional stability and cooperative relations.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
