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 of President Félix Tshisekedi, at his farm in Kisozi.
The meeting focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC and the ongoing regional efforts to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes area. This diplomatic engagement follows a series of consultations between Kinshasa and Kampala to address persistent security threats in the eastern part of the country.
In a statement on X, President Museveni highlighted the importance of the discussions. «This morning, at my Kisozi farm, I received Mr. Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, special envoy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We discussed issues of mutual interest, particularly the security situation in eastern DRC. Peace and stability in our region remain vital for the prosperity of our people, and we will continue collaborating with regional partners to overcome the challenges facing eastern Congo,» he wrote.
Floribert Anzuluni, for his part, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and praised President Museveni’s commitment to restoring peace in eastern DRC. «I thank President Yoweri Museveni for the warm welcome extended to us. I commend his dedication to achieving peace in eastern DRC,» he stated.
Persistent insecurity in eastern provinces
The meeting comes at a critical time, as the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri continue to grapple with persistent insecurity. The resurgence of M23 rebel offensives and attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have led to widespread population displacements and complicated stabilization efforts by Congolese authorities.
As the special envoy of President Félix Tshisekedi, Floribert Anzuluni is tasked with conveying Kinshasa’s messages to regional leaders to strengthen political and diplomatic cooperation around initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace in eastern DRC.
Military and economic cooperation between DRC and Uganda
Bilateral cooperation between Kinshasa and Kampala serves as a key pillar of the regional strategy. Since November 2021, the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and Uganda’s People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have jointly conducted Operation Shujaa, targeting ADF fighters responsible for numerous attacks on civilians in eastern DRC. This military collaboration has been renewed multiple times and remains central to the fight against armed groups.
Beyond security, the two countries are also enhancing their economic partnership, particularly through the development of cross-border road infrastructure to facilitate trade and support regional integration.
By reaffirming their commitment to working with regional partners, Kinshasa and Kampala underscore their resolve to adopt a coordinated approach in tackling the security challenges threatening stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
