Scrutiny Over Uganda’s DRC Military Mission Amid Doubts and Accusations

Ugandan troops’ Operation Shujaa in eastern DRC has led to mixed results, combating the ADF amid accusations of supporting rival rebel groups. Despite some security gains, including reduced ADF territorial control, the group is adapting and expanding its attacks. Uganda’s motives remain under scrutiny, balancing military objectives with economic interests amidst ongoing regional tensions, particularly concerning Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel faction.

Three years have elapsed since Ugandan troops initiated their deployment into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to combat rebels associated with the Islamic State. While Operation Shujaa, which translates to “bravery” in Swahili, has seen Ugandan forces make some security advancements against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), allegations have emerged suggesting that Uganda may be covertly bolstering another Congolese rebel faction.

Operation Shujaa was launched in conjunction with Congolese military units, aiming to eradicate the ADF, recognized as the deadliest militia group in the region. Despite the tragic loss of approximately 1,000 individuals due to ADF actions in 2023 alone, a number of localities have experienced significant security developments. Curfews in Beni have been lifted, and essential transportation routes no longer necessitate armed escorts. A member of the local civil society remarked, “In this area, progress has been made, even though the massacres have not stopped.”

However, even with territorial advancements leading to the reopening of schools and the neutralization of rebel commanders, the ADF has demonstrated adaptive resilience. Reportedly, the group’s operations have expanded to previously unassailed regions, including Irumu and Mambasa in Ituri province, as they disperse in response to military actions. A diplomatic source noted that the lack of adequate troop containment has allowed ADF fighters to exploit new zones, inflicting violence on civilian populations as a retaliatory tactic against military efforts.

Critiques of Uganda’s DRC mission have intensified, prompting inquiries about its genuine commitment to combating the ADF. Notably, UN experts have levied charges against Uganda for allegedly fostering support for the M23, a Rwandan-backed rebel group in eastern DRC. While Uganda refutes these allegations, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has insisted on transparent evidence of Uganda’s intentions. Observers argue that military operations appear concentrated on securing areas proximate to Uganda’s borders, raising suspicions about the overarching objectives of Operation Shujaa.

Beyond a security focus, economic considerations underscore Uganda’s involvement in DRC. The operation ostensibly facilitates oversight of infrastructural development and protects Ugandan interests in oil projects. As Rwanda’s support for M23 enables increasing territorial control over eastern DRC, Uganda’s relationships with Kinshasa become crucial for safeguarding its economic stakes. Gold trade remains a vital nexus for both nations, raising concerns about the authenticity of “Ugandan” gold dominant in the market. Uganda’s governmental strategy entails navigating complex regional dynamics to secure its interests amidst the ongoing turbulence, as observed by Belgian researcher Kristof Titeca.

The DRC has long struggled with the presence of various militias destabilizing the region, with the ADF being one of the most notorious and lethal groups. Since its relationship with the Islamic State, the ADF has been responsible for numerous violent incidents, contributing to a humanitarian crisis. Ugandan military actions, specifically Operation Shujaa, seek to restore order while managing regional relationships, especially with neighboring Rwanda, which supports opposing rebel factions. The economic ties between Uganda and DRC complicate military engagements, as Ugandan interests in natural resources influence its strategic choices in the region.

Uganda’s military mission in the DRC, characterized by both progress and regressive challenges, reveals a multifaceted strategy intertwining security and economic interests. While Operation Shujaa has yielded some tactical victories against the ADF, criticisms surrounding Uganda’s potential dual loyalties underscore the complexities facing Ugandan engagement in the region. The dynamism of regional diplomacy, economic dependencies, and the ongoing humanitarian impact will continue to shape the future of Uganda’s intervention in DRC.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr