Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, issued a stark warning on Saturday, threatening to attack the Congolese town of Bunia unless “all forces” there surrendered their arms within 24 hours. This provocative statement, made via social media, has raised serious concerns about a potential regional escalation of the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by decades of conflict, including the First and Second Congo Wars. The current crisis, marked by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, has displaced millions of people and caused widespread human suffering.
Kainerugaba’s threat, made without official government confirmation, followed the M23’s capture of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo. This significant military advance has further destabilized the region and heightened tensions between Congo and Rwanda.
The international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Regional leaders, including Presidents Museveni of Uganda and Kagame of Rwanda, have been urged to engage in constructive dialogue to de-escalate tensions and prevent a further deterioration of the situation.
Kainerugaba is known for his provocative social media posts. In 2022, he threatened to invade neighboring Kenya and made threats against Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine. While some of his statements may be intended to be provocative, they cannot be dismissed lightly, given his position of power and influence within the Ugandan government.
The situation in eastern Congo remains extremely volatile. The potential for a wider regional conflict remains a serious concern, with the potential for devastating consequences for the civilian population.”