This week, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni welcomed Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration and special envoy of President Félix Tshisekedi, at his Kisozi farm. Their meeting centered on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, as well as regional efforts to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
The discussions reflect ongoing diplomatic consultations between Kinshasa and Kampala to address persistent security challenges in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. President Museveni took to X to share highlights from the talks, emphasizing the importance of regional peace for the prosperity of both nations. « This morning, at my Kisozi farm, I received Mr. Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, special envoy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We addressed matters of mutual concern, particularly the security situation in eastern DRC. Peace and stability in our region are vital to the well-being of our people, and we will continue collaborating with regional partners to meet the challenges facing eastern Congo », he wrote.
Anzuluni echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for Museveni’s warm reception and highlighting Uganda’s commitment to ending violence in eastern DRC. « I thank President Yoweri Museveni for his warm welcome. I commend his dedication to restoring peace in eastern DRC », he stated.
The timing of the meeting is significant, as provinces like Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, and Ituri continue to grapple with persistent insecurity. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group, alongside attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), has displaced thousands and hindered stabilization efforts by Congolese authorities.
As the special envoy of President Tshisekedi, Anzuluni’s role is to strengthen political and diplomatic ties with regional leaders, fostering collaboration on initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace in eastern DRC.
The cooperation between DRC and Uganda serves as a cornerstone of this regional strategy. Since November 2021, the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have jointly conducted Operation Shujaa, targeting ADF fighters responsible for attacks on civilians in eastern DRC. This military collaboration has been renewed multiple times and remains a key component in the fight against armed groups.
Beyond security, the two nations are also advancing their economic partnership, focusing on cross-border infrastructure projects like roads to boost trade and support regional integration.
By reaffirming their commitment to regional cooperation, Kinshasa and Kampala are determined to adopt a unified approach in tackling the security threats destabilizing eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
