Kampala rejects the allegations conveyed on social networks according to which he is negotiating with Kinshasa on behalf of the M23 rebels, who occupy some localities in the province of North Kivu .
Yoweri Museveni’s country speaks of a “hoax” by peace critics with the intention of distracting the public from ongoing bilateral achievements.
“Uganda is not mandated to negotiate on behalf of the M23,” denies the Ugandan army spokesman, recalling that “the conclave of EAC Heads of State has already chosen a political facilitator (HE Uhuru Kenyatta)”.
General FĂ©lix Kulayigye then clarified that “Uganda is however deployed in the DRC as part of the EACRF (EAC Regional Force) to enforce the cessation of hostilities between the FARDC and the M23, and monitoring their removal to designated containment areas”.
Also, he insisted, “the only bilateral security agreement we deal with with the DRC is Operation Shujja” against ADF terrorists.
Ugandan army controls Bunagana
After occupying Bunagana for 294 days, the M23 rebels finally ceded this city on April 2, 2023 to the Ugandan army, which stressed that it is “a neutral force and will not fight the M23”.
“The UPDF thanks the M23 leadership for their cooperation with the contingent and for granting our peacekeepers safe passage and a successful occupation of Bunagana. M23 should also cooperate when the time comes for us to occupy Rushuru, Kiwanja and Mabenga areas respectively,” the Ugandan army said.
The presence of these troops on Congolese territory also worries several personalities in the DRC, who recall that the city of Bunagana was taken by the M23 with the help of the country of Yoweri Museveni. The latest report of the UN Group of Experts also confirmed this.
