By Victoire Fikiri Gakuru
Despite global focus on worldwide conflicts and climate disasters the Democratic Republic of Congo faces a catastrophic and neglected crisis. DRCongo continues to experience endless violence because of internal instability and external interests after losing over six million lives since the late 1990s and displacing millions more.
The situation is more complicated than the regional actors’ assertions of neutrality or claims of no direct involvement suggest.
I am both a Congolese scholar and refugee who feels obliged to speak openly and call for regional responsibility along with clarity and sincere engagement instead of making accusations. Uganda has played an instrumental part in shaping the historical and contemporary events of eastern DR Congo among the neighbouring countries involved.
Extensive records document Uganda's historical involvement in DR Congo. Throughout history Uganda has remained actively involved in Congolese matters beginning with its Second Congo War interventions and continuing through modern counterterrorism missions against the ADF.
The International Court of Justice found Uganda responsible for human rights violations and economic looting in Congolese land during its occupation in 2005 and imposed a $325 million reparations payment.
The focus currently rests on the return of the M23 rebel group which has forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee while gaining control of sizable areas in North Kivu. Reports indicate Uganda has provided indirect facilitation and logistical help to M23, but this aspect has been overlooked unlike Rwanda's well-known support.
According to a 2023 report by United Nations Group of Experts, M23 commanders conducted rear-base operations from Ugandan territory which involved meetings in Kampala and movements through border towns such as Bunagana. According to the same report Ugandan military officials possibly rendered "active support" to M23 operations through coordination with their leaders directly on Congolese soil.
These claims require deep consideration because they stem from extensively documented United Nations investigations. They raise critical questions about Uganda’s dual posture: Uganda presents itself as a peacekeeping force but faces allegations of secretly backing armed groups which destabilize the region.
I implore Ugandans to become informed about these matters because I have experienced this conflict directly as a Congolese citizen. Peace in Congo remains essential to regional stability since peace within Uganda's border communities depends on it. Events in North Kivu disrupt the entire Great Lakes region through trade interruptions and refugee flights which lead to persistent security threats.
Economic interests also complicate the picture. M23's presence has disrupted Uganda’s border trade with Congo via Bunagana which leads to annual customs revenue losses exceeding Shs500 million. Parallel to these events informal trade between borders persists as fuel and other commodities reach rebel territories through the assistance of local collaborators.
Eastern Congo’s conflict minerals such as coltan and gold keep reaching global markets through Uganda and other neighboring countries. According to US Treasury estimates more than 90% of the gold produced in Congo is illegally trafficked across borders through Uganda and Rwanda which finances armed factions while depriving the Congolese government of revenue.
It is impossible to disregard the moral and economic consequences of this situation.
Uganda, like DR Congo, faces a choice. Uganda must decide if its Great Lakes role will focus on strategic ambiguity and temporary benefits or maintain principled engagement and work toward regional peace.
My writing does not intend to criticize Ugandan citizens because many have exhibited support for Congolese refugees and war survivors. My writing intends to encourage significant self-examination among Uganda’s civil society members, media professionals, and young people regarding their nation's future role.
We must understand that remaining silent does not represent a neutral position. When societies maintain neutrality in the presence of injustice they give free rein to impunity. Archbishop Desmond Tutu made it clear that remaining neutral during acts of injustice amounts to supporting the oppressor.
Regional players such as Uganda need to reassess their roles in the Congo conflict by taking active steps that demonstrate dedication to human rights and regional peace instead of maintaining diplomatic denials and covert cooperation with militias. The people of Congo are watching. So is history.
As a Congolese writer I work to promote peace and justice throughout the Great Lakes region. My academic background includes a BA in Political Science with a Public Law specialization from SUNY Buffalo State University and I am currently a graduate student in Diplomacy and International Relations at the School for International Training (SIT).
My work examines ways to resolve conflicts while supporting human rights alongside ethical practices in global development. The Buffalo News published my op-ed about the current situation in the DR Congo.
The writer is a Congolese citizen and scholar