The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, refuted recent media reports that the country’s military (UPDF) had deployed to Bunia in Ituri Province last week to fight the M23 movement, which opposes the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Note: Company, Blog, Church websites are free.
While addressing the Ugandan people, President Museveni clarified that their troops were not sent to fight the M23, as had been previously reported by Al Jazeera, but rather to combat the ADF Nalu terrorist group.
He explained that four years ago, President Félix Tshisekedi and his government agreed to Uganda’s request to deploy soldiers to fight the ADF, which had been killing people, including the Hema community and other ethnic groups in the DRC, without any intervention.
The Ugandan leader stated that this issue had persisted for 20 years, dating back to 2002. Museveni expressed gratitude to Tshisekedi for allowing Ugandan troops to be deployed in Beni, as they managed to restore security for civilians, enabling them to return to their homes, and also ensuring the safety of Ugandan citizens.
He further explained that Ugandan forces were initially deployed to the area to provide security for workers constructing the Kasindi-Beni-Butembo Road. Later, they joined the East African Community regional force, which helped to halt the M23’s advance and even forced them to retreat.
However, after the DRC requested the withdrawal of the East African regional forces from its territory, Ugandan troops were left with two key responsibilities: combating the ADF terrorist group and securing the Kasindi-Butembo road.
Museveni added that, due to the escalating conflict, the Kinshasa government granted Uganda permission to deploy soldiers in the Lubero territory, near Butembo and Bunia.
He stated, “The presence of our troops there has nothing to do with fighting the M23. We urge all conflicting parties to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.”
The Ugandan president also emphasized that the history of conflicts in the DRC is well known and that the leaders of Southern and Eastern African nations have already set a course for resolving them.
His remarks come at a time when M23 movement are reportedly close to capturing Butembo and the Lubero center in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province.
