UN Report Alleges Ugandan Support for M23 Rebels in Congo During Regional Conflict

Photo courtesy: (Rick Scavetta) UN report alleges that Uganda has been providing ammunition support to the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC.

A recent UN report has revealed that the Ugandan military has been providing backing to the M23 rebel group operating in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and has neglected to prevent the rebels from using Ugandan territory to move and operate.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by ongoing conflict for many years.

Its neighbouring countries Uganda and Rwanda launched invasions in 1996 and 1998, citing the need to protect themselves from local militant groups.

Currently, Uganda is collaborating with Congolese forces to combat a Ugandan rebel group. Meanwhile, the M23 rebel group, led by Tutsi forces, has been fueling new violence in eastern Congo since 2022, adding to longstanding instability.

Uganda has rejected accusations of involvement with the M23 rebel group, instead saying its collaboration with the Congolese government to maintain stability in the region.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has consistently alleged that Rwanda has been providing support to the M23, which has repeatedly gained control over significant areas of eastern Congo, rich in natural resources.

Rwanda has denied these allegations.

The UN group has uncovered evidence showing that Ugandan military and intelligence officials are actively supporting the M23 rebel group, with top M23 leaders like Sultani Makenga, who is under sanctions, travelling to Uganda for secret meetings with Ugandan officials.

Evidence includes documents revealing communications between Ugandan military officials and M23 leaders, witness testimonies from deserters and civilians who have observed Ugandan soldiers fighting alongside M23 rebels, and records indicating military equipment and ammunition supplied to the M23 by Uganda.

These pieces of evidence suggest a more complex involvement than Uganda’s official denial of ties with the rebel group.

Deo Akiiki, deputy spokesman for the Ugandan military, dismissed reports from Reuters regarding the UN findings, stating they are false and misrepresent Uganda’s army involvement.

He emphasised that Uganda is committed to peacekeeping efforts in collaboration with the Congolese military (FARDC), highlighting the illogical nature of causing instability in a region where they strive to maintain peace.

“it would be crazy for Uganda to cause trouble in an area where they are working hard to keep the peace,” said Akiiki.

According to the UN report, 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers are fighting alongside the M23 rebel group against the Congolese army.

The report also states that Rwanda’s control over M23 operations makes Rwanda responsible for the rebel group’s actions.

Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, said that the DRC can reduce tensions, but until they do, Rwanda will continue to protect its interests and defend itself.