Kinshasa and Kampala deepen ties amid rising insecurity in eastern DRC

On Monday, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni welcomed Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Regional Integration and Special Envoy, at his private farm in Kisozi. Their meeting centered on the escalating security crisis in eastern DRC and the urgent need for regional collaboration to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes area.

The visit reflects ongoing diplomatic consultations between Kinshasa and Kampala as both nations seek coordinated solutions to persistent threats in the eastern provinces. Anzuluni, acting on behalf of President Félix Tshisekedi, emphasized the importance of shared regional efforts to address the challenges undermining security in the DRC.

In a statement on X, President Museveni highlighted the discussions, stating: « This morning at my farm in Kisozi, I received Mr. Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, the DRC’s special envoy. We addressed issues of mutual concern, particularly the security situation in eastern DRC. Peace and stability in our region are vital for the prosperity of our people, and we will continue working with regional partners to tackle the challenges facing eastern Congo. »

Anzuluni expressed appreciation for the Ugandan leader’s commitment to peace, saying: « I thank President Museveni for his warm welcome. His dedication to restoring stability in eastern DRC is commendable. »

The meeting comes at a critical juncture, with provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri grappling with persistent insecurity. Ongoing clashes involving the M23 rebel alliance and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have displaced thousands, exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation and complicating government-led stabilization efforts.

As the DRC’s special envoy, Anzuluni is tasked with reinforcing diplomatic ties with regional leaders to bolster political and cooperative initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace in eastern DRC.

Security cooperation between the DRC and Uganda remains a cornerstone of regional strategy. Since November 2021, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have jointly conducted Operation Shujaa to dismantle ADF fighters, responsible for attacks on civilians. This military partnership has been renewed multiple times and remains central to efforts against armed groups.

Beyond security, both nations are also advancing economic collaboration, including cross-border road infrastructure projects to enhance trade and regional integration.

By reaffirming their commitment to regional cooperation, Kinshasa and Kampala underscore their shared determination to address the lingering threats to stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.