Africa (Commonwealth Union) – The Ugandan army has confirmed the deployment of troops to Mahagi, a town in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in a bid to combat local armed groups. The move has intensified concerns that the ongoing conflict in the region could escalate into a broader war.
Speaking to AFP, Uganda’s defense and military affairs spokesperson, Felix Kulayigye, stated, “Our troops have entered Mahagi town, and we are in control.” He explained that the deployment was made at the request of the Congolese army following a series of civilian massacres allegedly perpetrated by the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia. Further details on the operation were not provided.
Mahagi, located in the volatile Ituri province bordering Uganda, has been the site of escalating violence. On February 10, at least 51 people were reported killed by armed men affiliated with CODECO, according to humanitarian and local sources. The militia has been engaged in violent clashes with the Hema community, claiming to protect the interests of the Lendu community, who are primarily farmers.
Uganda has maintained a significant military presence in Ituri under an agreement with the Congolese government. Just last month, Ugandan forces announced they had taken control of Bunia, the provincial capital, further solidifying their influence in the region.
The security situation in Ituri is further complicated by developments in neighboring North Kivu and South Kivu, where the M23 armed group has seized control. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation that Kigali has consistently denied.
The increasing military activities of Uganda and Rwanda in eastern DRC have raised alarms among analysts who fear a recurrence of the Second Congo War, which raged from 1998 to 2003. That devastating conflict involved multiple African nations and resulted in millions of deaths due to violence, disease, and famine.
As tensions continue to rise, regional and international observers are closely monitoring the unfolding situation, warning that without diplomatic intervention, eastern DRC risks becoming the epicenter of another large-scale African war.
