ABOUT TIME: UN welcomes UPDF operation against ADF rebels in DR Congo

DR Congo

The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has said it welcomes regional cooperation to tackle cross-border threats.

Its comments came after the DR Congo and Ugandan armies launched a joint operation to "hunt" for fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) after it was accused of carrying out suicide bombings in Uganda's capital, Kampala, last month.

The two armies are carrying out a ground and air operation against the rebels.

A UN spokesman in DR Congo, Mathias Gillman, told a press conference in Kinshasa on Wednesday that the move was “a legitimate choice and sovereign decision by Congolese authorities”.

“We encourage regional countries to work together to solve a cross-border threat. Congo took that decision to fight the ADF, and we respect it," Mr Gillman added.

The UN has had a huge presence of troops in eastern DR Congo for the past two decades.

But earlier this year, demonstrations shook the towns of Goma and Beni as people called for an end to the UN operation, saying it had proved "ineffective" in efforts to achieve stability.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to decide on 6 December whether to extend the mandate of the mission.

Source: BBC 

Reader's Comments

LATEST STORIES

NRM plans online registration for diaspora
news By Samuel Muhimba
16 minutes ago
NRM plans online registration for diaspora
No extension of register update, says Todwong
news By Lukia Nantaba
28 minutes ago
No extension of register update, says Todwong
Gen Mbadi tips CAR defence chief on building army
news By Samuel Muhimba
54 minutes ago
Gen Mbadi tips CAR defence chief on building army
UWA admits lack of due diligence in contracting gorilla permits firm
animal-conservation By Samuel Muhimba
59 minutes ago
UWA admits lack of due diligence in contracting gorilla permits firm