The DRC has summoned Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires for clarification on General Kainerugaba’s remarks about foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC. Tensions have risen following his warning of military action against these operatives, prompting diplomatic inquiries amid ongoing regional instability involving Uganda and Rwanda. General Kainerugaba expressed intentions to engage in dialogue, aiming to promote peace with DRC’s President Tshisekedi.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has summoned Mr. Matata Twaha Magara, Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires, to provide clarification regarding recent statements by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander-in-Chief of the Ugandan Defense Forces. General Kainerugaba’s remarks, particularly a warning directed at foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC, have raised concerns in Kinshasa. He emphasized that from January 2, 2025, any foreign operatives, specifically referencing “white mercenaries,” would face military action. This statement follows heightened tensions surrounding the involvement of foreign military personnel in the region.
The meeting was orchestrated by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who sought to address the implications of General Kainerugaba’s statements and to inquire about the current state of diplomatic relations between DRC and Uganda. The DRC government has consistently maintained that foreign personnel assisting its national army, particularly those linked to Bulgarian and Romanian firms, are not mercenaries but are trainers enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in combating rebel groups, such as M23.
In a subsequent communication, General Kainerugaba indicated a willingness to promote peace and expressed a desire to visit President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa for the first time in two decades. His comments appear to signal a potential path toward dialogue, despite the initial friction caused by his previous statements. Furthermore, previous accusations between Rwanda and the DRC regarding the deployment of mercenaries highlight the increasingly complex regional dynamics affecting both nations.
As tensions escalate, the DRC government is adamant in requesting formal clarification from Uganda about General Kainerugaba’s comments, reflecting the precarious nature of their bilateral relationship amidst ongoing regional instability, particularly in light of Rwandan accusations of DRC’s alleged support for destabilizing forces in Rwanda. This diplomatic incident underscores the critical importance of clear communication and cooperation between neighboring countries as they navigate intricate security challenges in the region.
The article discusses recent diplomatic tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, primarily due to remarks made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba regarding foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC. These statements have prompted the DRC government to seek clarification from Uganda in an attempt to address escalating tensions that could further destabilize the region. The backdrop includes accusations of foreign mercenary involvement in regional conflicts, notably allegations directed at Rwanda and counterclaims made by the DRC against its neighbors.
In summary, the summons of Uganda’s envoy by the DRC highlights the rising diplomatic tensions caused by General Kainerugaba’s controversial statements regarding foreign mercenaries. While there are indications of a potential dialogue aimed at fostering peace, the situation remains fraught with complications stemming from ongoing regional conflicts and intricate international relations. Both nations must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid further deterioration of their diplomatic ties.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
