Editor
The Uganda People’s Defense Force contingent has formally pulled out its troops from the North Kivu war zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This decision comes in response to the DR Congo government’s refusal to extend the mandate of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) troops, part of a peacekeeping mission that expired on December 8, 2023. The troops faced allegations of not engaging with the M23 rebels, prompting this withdrawal.
Around 11:00 am, hundreds of Ugandan troops were observed crossing from Rutshuru territory back to Uganda through the Bunagana border in Kisoro district.
This withdrawal signifies the end of the mandate assigned to troops from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan, who were deployed in late 2022 to reclaim positions from the M23 rebels.
The conflict, initiated by M23 rebels against the DR Congo government in March 2022, has resulted in heightened tensions and accusations of ceasefire violations.
However, the President of the M23 Movement, Bertrand Bisimwa, criticized the actions of the Kinshasa regime forces, arguing that they undermine international peace initiatives.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 Political Spokesperson, asserted the group’s right to respond to any attacks against civilians or its positions.
