Summary:

• The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has summoned Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Matata Twaha Magara, to clarify statements made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba about foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC. Kainerugaba’s comments, warning of action against mercenaries, have raised tensions between the two countries, with the DRC government demanding an official explanation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called in Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Matata Twaha Magara, to clarify remarks made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces, regarding the presence of foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC.

The DRC government summoned Magara after a series of controversial statements posted on social media by General Kainerugaba. One post, dated December 16, 2024, warned “white mercenaries” operating in eastern DRC that Uganda would take action against them starting January 2025. The statement was likely referring to foreign operatives from Bulgaria and Romania, who have been assisting the Congolese army in its fight against the M23 rebels.

The DRC government has consistently denied the presence of mercenaries, claiming that the foreign personnel are instead trainers for the DRC military (FARDC), helping them with modern warfare techniques. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in DRC has now demanded an official clarification from Uganda about Kainerugaba’s remarks and their implications on the relationship between the two nations.

While Kainerugaba has signaled his intent to discuss the issue with DRC officials and promote peace, the tension has escalated at a time when the DRC faces numerous regional challenges, including accusations from Rwanda of DRC supporting militia groups to destabilize Kigali.

This diplomatic exchange highlights the fragile relations between Uganda and the DRC, which are further strained by ongoing security issues in eastern Congo.