Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has joined his East Africa counterparts to discuss the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo –DRC. There was been fierce fighting between M23 rebels and DRC army since September last year and this culminated into the takeover of Goma City by the former at the end of last month.
Accusations from Kinshasa government toward Rwanda as the lead supporter of M23 rebels have continuously dominated headlines. Several human rights violations such as ethnic killing, rape, defilement and looting have been reported in North Kivu province and currently more than 650000 are reportedly living in makeshift camps.
EAC meeting aims to address the escalating crisis in the eastern DRC which has threatened regional security. In his speech on Friday, Gen Muhoozi said the DRC conflict needs collective efforts in combating regional challenges.
“Our collective focus on the security challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo exemplifies the cooperative spirit that binds the East African Community,” Gen Muhoozi said.
Gen Muhoozi was accompanied by Maj Gen James Birungi, Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security, and other senior UPDF officials. EAC security chiefs meeting brings together army commanders from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia to discuss strategies for restoring peace and security in the region.
EAC security chiefs’ meeting follows directives from the Joint EAC-SADC Heads of State Summit held on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. During the summit, regional leaders tasked the Chiefs of Defense Forces with providing technical guidance on resolving the crisis in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has seized control of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.
DRC, mostly North Kivu has long been a hotspot for conflict, with multiple armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), exacerbating the instability. ADF is categorized as a terrorist organization with origins in Uganda, has been a persistent threat despite joint efforts by the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to neutralize it.
In a related development, the UPDF recently achieved a strategic milestone by entering Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, in a coordinated operation with the FARDC. The move was met with widespread approval from local residents, who have endured years of violence and instability.
EAC meeting in Nairobi represents a critical step in fostering regional collaboration to address the DRC crisis. Its focus is on crafting a unified approach to dismantle rebel groups, restore stability, and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.