Ugandan Army Deploys Troops to Mahagi, DRC Amid Escalating Violence

The Ugandan army has deployed troops to Mahagi, northeastern DRC, amid fears of a larger conflict following reported civilian massacres by the Codeco militia. The Congolese army requested this assistance as violence escalates, particularly with the M23 group’s presence. Concerns persist over regional implications, especially between Uganda and Rwanda’s influences in the area.

The Ugandan army has confirmed the deployment of additional troops to Mahagi, a town in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to combat local armed groups amidst growing concerns of an expanding conflict. Felix Kulayigye, Uganda’s defense and military affairs spokesperson, stated, “Our troops have entered Mahagi town and we are in control,” following a request from the Congolese army in response to reported civilian massacres connected to a militia called the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco).

This area of Ituri province has seen significant violence, with a reported loss of at least 51 lives due to attacks attributed to Codeco. This militia purports to protect the interests of the Lendu community against the Hema community. Uganda already maintains a troop presence in other regions of Ituri under a prior agreement with the DRC government, and it is also engaged in joint operations targeting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

The situation in Ituri is further complicated by the presence of the M23, another anti-government group allegedly supported by Rwanda, which has taken control of significant territories in eastern DRC. Simultaneously, Congolese military officials have denied allegations regarding the capture of fighters linked to the Rwandan genocide, dismissing a video of their purported handover as fabricated, asserting this is part of a wider Rwandan scheme to discredit the DRC military.

The tension between Uganda and Rwanda’s actions in the DRC raises concerns about a possible recurrence of the devastating Second Congo War, which lasted from 1998 to 2003 and resulted in profound human casualties due to conflict, disease, and famine. Analysts continue to observe these developments closely, given their potential ramifications on regional stability and security.

The Ugandan army has responded to escalating violence in northeastern DRC by deploying troops to Mahagi. The intervention addresses reports of massacres by local militias, while the region grapples with the implications of various armed groups, including the M23. The complexities of national and regional politics in the DRC heighten existing tensions, prompting fears of a wider conflict reminiscent of historic wars in the area.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr