Escalating Violence in Ituri
Militias Mobilize as Uganda Watches Closely
The situation in Ituri, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is growing increasingly dire. Congolese militias are committing atrocities in Bunia, leaving numerous civilians dead or injured. In response, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and General Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), have voiced their concerns over the escalating violence.
Amid this crisis, the Runyakitara tribe, along with 21 other tribes in Ituri, has formed a political organization to fight for their survival. Seven fully armed militias have also established a joint high command to protect themselves and their families, as the government in Kinshasa has proven either unable or unwilling to defend them. This coalition has declared its intent to attack the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied militias, aiming to drive them out of Ituri. They have also urged Uganda and the UPDF to stay out of the conflict.
An agreement had initially been reached for the UPDF to be deployed to Bunia, but this plan was abruptly cancelled at the last minute. The primary victims of these attacks are speakers of Rutara languages, which are spoken on both sides of the DRC-Uganda border. As the violence intensifies, Uganda is finding it increasingly difficult to restrain the militias in the face of mass killings.
According to a commander within the militia coalition, they have now joined forces with the AFC/M23, and preparations are complete for imminent attacks against the FARDC. Meanwhile, MONUSCO has already evacuated its staff and their families from Beni to Kinshasa via Entebbe.
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A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
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