UGANDA | UPDF | DR CONGO
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a final agreement on the joint operation against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The agreement, which was signed by defence ministers of the two countries, provides a framework for joint deployment, pooling of resources and also extends the mandate of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to not only pursue ADF, but all armed groups operating within the conflict-riddled eastern Congo.
“It is a general agreement, but a framework for pooling our armed forces that is underway, particularly in the fight against the ADF. As you know, the ADF is an enemy of both DRC and Uganda, it is normal that we can fight it on a mutual basis,” DRC defenCe minister Gilbert Kabanda said after signing the agreement in Bunia, Ituri province.
“If there are local armed groups straddling the Congo and Uganda, this agreement will expand,” he added. Uganda’s defence minister, Vincent Ssempijja, who represented Uganda, described the agreement as “very important” for the operations against armed groups in eastern DRC.
“It will help us unify efforts between the two armies to achieve the objectives of these operations,” he said.
Attack
On November 30, the UPDF and Forces Armees de la Republique du Congo (FARDC) launched joint operations against ADF, specifically shelling four terrorist bases, Kambi Ya Yua, Tondoli, Belu 1 and Belu 2 in eastern DRC.
The bombardments forced ADF remnants to re-locate to nearby forests as the search and control of their territories was intensified by the joint operation forces.
On Friday, top military officials from Uganda and DRC agreed on a joint staff command for the operation code-named Shujaa (bravery). Under the framework, the operations will jointly be led by UPDF’s Maj. Gen. Muhanga Kayunga and FARDC top commander Maj. Gen. Camille Bombele Lohola.
“For two days, Congolese and Ugandan experts discussed security and defence issues of mutual interest to the two countries, especially with regard to joint operations for the eradication of Ugandan rebels from the ADF and other armed forces, who are active along the common border in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu,” a source told New Vision.
Camille Bombele Lohola is a former trainer of airborne troops under the Mobutu regime.
According to military sources, he will set up his headquarters in Komanda, North Kivu on the borderline with Ituri where ADF has bases in Beni, Irumu and Mambasa.
“The two parties reassured the populations of DRC and Uganda, that these operations will continue to be carried out with strict respect for human rights, while respecting the sovereignty of these two countries. The two delegations welcomed the progress made so far in the joint FARDC-UPDF operations in the territories of Irumu in Ituri and Beni in North Kivu,” a source, who attended the meeting in Bunia, added.
Giving an overview of the operation, DRC information minister and spokesperson of the government said on Saturday, that 30 ADF terrorists and commanders were arrested and 31 Congolese hostages rescued from the terrorists.
Last week, the joint forces also started opening up security roads in North Kivu and across River Semliki Bridge, which military officers said will ease operation against ADF.
Camps destroyed
UPDF and FARDC on Friday confirmed their attack on ADF had destroyed its four camps.
A joint statement signed by Uganda Defence spokesperson Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso and Gen. Major Kansonga Cibangu of FARDC also said 34 ADF were captured and several hostages released.
The main camps that were hit are Yayuwa, Tondoli, Beni One and Beni Two.
The statement indicated that in order to gain the loyalty of the population and reverse the harmful propaganda instilled by the ADF and their allies, FARDC and UPDF had launched a vast awareness campaign and are carrying out civil-military actions, which are already bearing fruits.
On Thursday the joint military started working on the roads.
Operation Shujaa
Commenting about Operation Shujaa, Uganda’s Commander of Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said: “To ADF combatants. You have seen what we (the joint UPDF/FARDC forces) are capable of. Operation Shujaa will continue until your terrorism ends.
“Many of your ‘leaders’ have already fled the bush and abandoned you to your fate… surrender now before it’s too late. The joint forces will receive you and give you a second chance.
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