Uganda increases military presence in eastern DRC conflict

Uganda has recently been involved in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Its actions are often unnoticed but are driven by security and economic interests in the mineral-rich area. The M23 armed group, supported by Rwanda, has taken control of key cities in the region, adding to the chaos caused by various armed groups competing for valuable resources like gold and coltan. In 2021, Uganda launched Operation Shujaa, deploying troops with the DRC's permission to combat the Allied Democratic Forces, a militia linked to the Islamic State. Recently, Uganda has increased its military presence as the M23 advances. Last month, it claimed to have secured the Ituri provincial capital, Bunia. Experts say Uganda's intentions remain unclear, with concerns about both security and its economic ambitions. Uganda seeks to create a buffer zone to protect against violence from the DRC, as well as to gain access to new markets for its products. There's evidence that Uganda has profited by exporting gold from the DRC as its own. Some analysts believe that Uganda's economic success may have led Rwanda to support M23, fearing that its own interests were being compromised. President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has a long history of involvement in regional conflicts. His relationship with Rwandan President Paul Kagame adds complexity to Uganda's stance on the M23. Despite his military deployment in the DRC, Museveni has stated that his troops will not engage the M23, leaving the situation open to interpretation. Congolese leaders are aware of the delicate balance Uganda maintains in the region.