TOPIC: Uganda Strikes Back Against Terrorists in the DRC

A spokesperson for the Uganda People's Defence Force today announced via twitter that they have initiated attacks against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Ugandan attack comes in retaliation for the twin terror attacks that struck Kampala earlier this month. The ADF, who are recognised as an affiliate of ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks. 

Uganda Strikes Back

In the official statement, the spokesperson stated, 'this morning we have launched joint air and artillery strikes against the ADF camps with our Congolese allies.'  This escalation of violence comes largely as a direct response to the terror attacks that stuck the Ugandan capital on November 16th (see linked article at the end for context.) The ADF claimed responsibility and though originating from Uganda, has largely been expelled from Ugandan territory, instead preferring to reside with the neighbouring DRC. From here they have initiated attacks in the DRC itself, whilst attempting to regain a greater footing within Uganda. 

The DRC's government stated earlier this week that it had been in communication with the Ugandan military for several months, but that no Ugandan forces were actually present on Congolese territory. The DRC went further, stating 'We have not said there will be joint operations... [but] if there is a need to go up a notch, we will.' It appears now that the bridge for which concerted actions will be necessary has been crossed, though the impetus for this will likely come from the Ugandan military, as the DRC's military still remains locked in many armed conflicts across the vast, resource rich nation. 

The Shadow of the Past

The people of eastern DRC have suffered heavily under ADF attacks and exploitation. Yet the news of Ugandan intervention, to whatever extent, still sparks concern in the country. Uganda was militarily involved in the Second Congo War which began in 1998, and still remains accused of plundering the DRC's resources in the following years. To this day, the Congolese government continues to seek more than $13 billion in reparations from Uganda for its actions in the conflict. In response, Uganda accused the DRC of harbouring the ADF, or at the very least not doing enough to pursue the group. However for now, the shadows of the past appeared to be buried, with the co-operation of Ugandan and DRC forces against the ADF a source for optimism in the region. 

See our previous article on the ADF and Uganda at: https://mundusreport.blogspot.com/2021/11/topic-geopolitical-backdrop-to-todays.html 

(Image Source: https://ugandaradionetwork.net/story/updf-soldiers-trained-in-air-warfare )