Eastern DRC Question: UN Report Accuses Uganda and Rwanda of Fueling Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stands on the precipice of a renewed large-scale conflict, with a recent UN report igniting a blame game between the DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda. The report, obtained by Reuters, accuses Uganda of providing support to the M23 rebel group operating in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. This comes on top of long-standing accusations against Rwanda, which the UN report claims exerts “de facto control” over M23 operations. Both Uganda and Rwanda vehemently deny the allegations.

The DRC has been plagued by violence for decades, and the eastern region has been a particular hotspot. Uganda and Rwanda have a long and complex history in the region, having invaded the DRC in the late 1990s, citing threats from local militia groups. While Uganda currently conducts joint operations with the DRC against a Ugandan rebel group, tensions remain high.

The M23 rebel group, led by Tutsi Congolese fighters, re-emerged in late 2021, launching an insurgency in the eastern DRC. This resurgence coincided with the deployment of a regional force, including Ugandan troops, to monitor a ceasefire with the M23. However, the Congolese authorities deemed this force ineffective and called for its withdrawal in late 2023.

The UN report alleges that since the M23 crisis reignited, Uganda has turned a blind eye to the presence and movement of M23 and Rwandan soldiers on its territory. Furthermore, the report claims to have evidence of Ugandan military and intelligence officials actively supporting the M23. This includes allowing M23 leaders, like the sanctioned Sultani Makenga, to travel to Uganda for meetings.

Uganda’s military vigorously rejects these accusations. Deo Akiiki, deputy spokesman for Uganda’s armed forces, maintains that such reports are false and that Uganda enjoys a strong working relationship with the Congolese forces (FARDC). He emphasizes that destabilizing the very region they are working to stabilize would be illogical.

Meanwhile, the UN report accuses Rwanda of having a far more direct role, estimating that 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers are fighting alongside the M23. The report goes further, stating that Rwanda’s “de facto control and direction” over M23 operations makes them liable for the group’s actions. This accusation echoes long-standing claims by the DRC, whose Foreign Affairs Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, accuses Rwanda of violating their territory with thousands of troops.

Rwanda vehemently denies these claims, asserting that the DRC is the one fueling the conflict by financing and collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu rebel group threatening Rwandan Tutsis. Their spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, maintains that Rwanda will continue to defend itself if the DRC doesn’t de-escalate.

The situation is further complicated by the recent collapse of a US-brokered peace plan aimed at reducing hostilities, facilitating the return of displaced people, and providing humanitarian aid. This collapse raises serious concerns about the possibility of a wider conflict engulfing the region.

The UN report serves as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the eastern DRC. With accusations flying between the DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda, the potential for renewed violence hangs heavy in the air. Resolving this complex web of historical grievances, resource competition, and geopolitical maneuvering will be crucial to preventing a devastating escalation and ensuring lasting peace in the region.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert