Uganda deploys troops to DRC to fight Codeco militia

Ugandan military reinforcements in Ituri

In the face of rising violence perpetrated by the Codéco militia in Ituri, the Ugandan army has deployed troops to the town of Mahagi at the request of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). This intervention is aimed at securing the region following a series of massacres of civilians attributed to this militia.

Ugandan army spokesman Felix Kulayigye confirmed on Sunday that troops had taken control of Mahagi and intended to continue operations to neutralize Codéco elements.

Deadly ethnic conflict in Ituri

The Codéco militia (Cooperative for the Development of Congo) claims to be a group defending the predominantly agricultural Lendu community from the predominantly pastoral Hema community. This ethnic conflict has ravaged the province since 2017, causing the deaths of thousands of civilians and provoking massive population displacements.

On February 10, a particularly deadly attack claimed at least 51 victims in Ituri, according to local and humanitarian sources.

Uganda welcomes military offensive

The head of the Ugandan armed forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, expressed his satisfaction on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the Ugandan army had successfully occupied Mahagi and promising to hunt down Codeco wherever they may be.

The Ugandan intervention comes against a backdrop of regional instability, with Ituri, in the north of the provinces of North and South Kivu, also affected by the rise of the M23 armed group, backed by the Rwandan army. Since the end of January, this group has taken control of major towns such as Goma and Bukavu.

Conclusion

The deployment of Ugandan troops in the DRC bears witness to the extent of security instability in the east of the country. With the FARDC struggling on several fronts, Uganda’s military commitment could help stem the threat of Codeco. However, this intervention also raises questions about the involvement of neighboring countries in Congolese conflicts and the geopolitical stakes involved.