The Ugandan army has deployed troops to Mahagi town in northeastern DRC to combat militia violence, particularly by the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco). This action comes amid concerns over escalating conflict involving local armed groups and foreign military involvement. Analysts warn of a potential recurrence of the catastrophic Second Congo War, highlighting the fragile security situation in the region.
The Ugandan army has confirmed its deployment of troops to Mahagi town in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to growing concerns over local militia violence. This action aims to combat armed groups amid fears that ongoing conflicts may escalate into a broader regional war. Uganda’s defence spokesman, Felix Kulayigye, announced the troops are in control of the town after being requested by the Congolese military in response to civilian massacres alleged to have been committed by the militia group, Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco).
Mahagi, part of Ituri province, experienced a significant incident where at least 51 civilians were reportedly killed in February by assailants affiliated with Codeco. This militia asserts that its operations are meant to safeguard the Lendu community, primarily agriculturalists, from the Hema community, which consists mostly of pastoralists. Uganda reportedly has thousands of troops stationed in various regions of Ituri under an agreement with the DRC and is actively engaged in joint operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group operating near the Ugandan border.
The current situation in Ituri unfolds against the backdrop of territorial advances made by the M23 anti-government group in the neighboring provinces of North and South Kivu, which have fallen under M23 control. The political dynamics are further complicated by Rwanda’s involvement, which asserts that it supports the M23 to combat the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia implicated in the Rwandan genocide. The DRC army has publicly denied claims regarding the capture of FDLR fighters, branding a video of their alleged handover to Rwanda as a fabrication meant to undermine its credibility.
Analysts are apprehensive that the escalating military presence of Uganda and Rwanda in eastern DRC could lead to a recurrence of the Second Congo War, a devastating conflict from 1998 to 2003 that involved multiple African nations and resulted in millions of casualties from violence, famine, and disease. The situation remains delicate, with ongoing international scrutiny over the actions of foreign troops in the DRC.
Overall, the deployments and the evolving incidents highlight a precarious security landscape in the DRC, reflecting deep-seated regional tensions and the potential for broader conflict should the situation remain unresolved.
In conclusion, the deployment of Ugandan troops to Mahagi signifies a critical response to militia violence in the DRC as fears mount regarding the potential for wider conflict. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing tensions involving local armed groups and foreign military presence, particularly from Uganda and Rwanda. Vigilance and diplomatic efforts are essential to prevent a repeat of the devastating regional conflicts seen in the past.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
