The Ugandan army has deployed troops to Mahagi Town in the northeastern DRC to combat armed groups, amidst fears of escalating conflict. The intervention follows requests from the Congolese army after recent civilian massacres attributed to the militia Codeco. The presence of both Uganda and Rwanda raises concerns over potential wider conflict, reminiscent of previous regional wars.
On Sunday, the Ugandan army announced the deployment of soldiers to Mahagi Town in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to combat local armed groups amid concerns regarding escalating conflict. Felix Kulayigye, Uganda’s defense and military affairs spokesperson, confirmed the operation, stating, “Our troops have entered Mahagi town and we are in control.”
This military intervention was prompted by requests from the Congolese army following alleged massacres attributed to the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco), a militia involved in regional violence. Reports indicate that at least 51 individuals were killed in a Codeco attack on February 10, highlighting the precarious security situation in Ituri province, which borders Uganda.
Codeco claims to represent the interests of the local Lendu community, predominantly composed of farmers, in opposition to the Hema community, mainly herders. Uganda has maintained a military presence in Ituri under an agreement with the Congolese government, which involves thousands of troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations, including a joint mission against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Simultaneously, the DRC is grappling with the M23 group, which has gained control over parts of the mineral-rich eastern region, including significant cities like Goma and Bukavu. Tensions have escalated with claims from the M23 of capturing fighters linked to the Rwandan genocide, which the DRC’s army has dismissed, calling the incident a fabrication meant to undermine its credibility.
Amid these developments, concerns are rising that the military involvements of Uganda and Rwanda in eastern DRC bear the potential for a resurgence of conflict similar to the Second Congo War. Analysts are wary of echoes of the past conflicts, which resulted in significant humanitarian crises.
In summary, the Ugandan army’s confirmed deployment to Mahagi Town in northeastern DRC signals a heightened military engagement to tackle local militias amidst escalating violence. Requests from the Congolese government and the regional backdrop dominated by groups like Codeco and M23 raise important security issues, with broader implications for stability in the region. The situation demands careful monitoring as it reflects historical patterns of conflict involving multiple nations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
