President Tshisekedi and Museveni in discussions on regional security and cooperation

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Antoine Félix Tshisekedi, visited Uganda on October 30, 2024, where he was received at Entebbe International Airport by a delegation of senior Ugandan officials led by the Minister of Defense, Jacob Marksons Oboth.

This visit aims to reinforce cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite ongoing regional security challenges.

Tshisekedi and Museveni are holding closed-door discussions focused on “Operation Shujaa,” a military collaboration targeting the terrorist group ADF, which has been active in Eastern Congo. This joint military operation began in 2021 but has continued to face significant security hurdles.

Another key topic on the agenda is the ongoing issue of the M23 armed group, which remains a major destabilizing force in eastern Congo, and the complex relationship between the two nations amid accusations from the DRC that Uganda is allegedly supporting M23 rebels. Uganda has consistently denied these allegations, citing a lack of concrete evidence from any investigating bodies.

Ugandan military spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye previously stated that UN reports accusing Uganda of supporting M23 are unfounded and do not fairly represent Uganda’s perspective on the situation.

There is also interest in the regional ties between Rwanda and Congo, with some speculating that President Museveni may discuss with President Tshisekedi the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the area. This aligns with ongoing talks in Luanda, Angola, where President João Lourenço of Angola has been mediating to rebuild Rwanda-Congo relations.

Tshisekedi’s visit to Uganda comes at a time of heightened security concerns and regional tensions, as nations in the region continue to seek ways to de-escalate conflicts and establish sustainable peace.