Uganda to Host Regional Summit on Worsening Security Situation in Eastern DR Congo
Uganda is preparing to host a regional summit of heads of state aimed at addressing the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting continues between government forces and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
A senior official from Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told ChimpReports that preparations for the meeting are already underway. According to the official, the summit will focus on the recent territorial advances made by the AFC/M23 in South Kivu province, as well as the growing humanitarian concerns linked to the ongoing conflict.
“Yes, the meeting will mainly examine the recent forward movement of the AFC/M23 armed group in South Kivu and the broader humanitarian challenges arising from the fighting,” the official said, adding that the main objective of the summit is to prevent the crisis from escalating into a wider regional conflict.
Sources indicate that, if plans proceed as scheduled, the summit will take place next Sunday. However, details regarding which heads of state will attend have not yet been made public.
Fighting in South Kivu resumed about three weeks ago between AFC/M23 fighters and a coalition of forces aligned with the Kinshasa government. The rebels, led by Gen. Sultani Makenga, went on to seize several strategic areas, including the city of Uvira, which they captured on September 9.
On Wednesday, December 17, the AFC/M23 began withdrawing from Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu, following mounting international pressure led by the United States.
The capture of Uvira and surrounding areas near the Burundi border significantly heightened tensions between Burundi and Rwanda, with Bujumbura accusing Kigali of supporting the AFC/M23. Burundi claims that shells landed on its territory during recent fighting, prompting sharp warnings to Rwanda and raising fears of a potential direct confrontation between the two neighbors.
Rwanda has denied firing into Burundian territory, instead stating that during clashes between Burundian forces and AFC/M23 in the Kamanyola area, some shells mistakenly fell in the Bugarama area.
