Kinshasa, July 12 – During a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defence Guy Kabongo reported that while a humanitarian truce was being implemented, M23 rebels were “forcibly recruiting young people” and receiving “continuous reinforcements of personnel and equipment” from Rwanda and Uganda. This marked the first recent instance of the Congolese government accusing Uganda of supporting M23.
National Assembly Speaker Vital Kamerhe had previously cited Uganda as an “aggressor,” but without government backing. Allegations from Congolese citizens about Kampala’s support for M23 had circulated for months, though without concrete evidence. The accusations gained momentum following a UN Group of Experts report published on July 8, which pointed to Uganda’s alleged involvement in the eastern DRC conflict.
According to the UN report, Ugandan military allowed M23 and Rwandan forces to transit freely through Uganda. It concluded that there was “active support” from certain Ugandan military and intelligence officers. The report highlighted that M23 leaders, including military leader Sultani Makenga and former electoral commission head Corneille Nangaa, had been seen in Entebbe and Kampala, where strategic meetings were held.
Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) rejected these allegations. Brigadier-General Félix Kulayigye, UPDF spokesperson, emphasized Uganda’s role in hosting refugees in accordance with UN policy and denied any collaboration with M23. He criticized the UN experts for not supporting regional peace efforts and reiterated Uganda’s cooperation with the DRC in combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), another rebel group active in the region.
Despite these tensions, both countries are wary of an open conflict. Military expert Nicaise Kibel Bel noted the long-standing alliance between Rwanda and Uganda and cautioned against a direct confrontation. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing Uganda’s dual role in fighting ADF alongside Congolese forces while being accused of supporting M23.
Kinshasa continues to advocate for a staggered withdrawal of Monusco troops, particularly in North Kivu, and calls for enhanced UN support to address the M23 threat effectively. The DRC government remains cautious, balancing its need for regional stability with the accusations against Uganda.
This development comes at a sensitive time, with M23 gaining ground in North Kivu, posing a significant challenge to regional peace and security.
