The Ugandan head of state, Yoweri Museveni, welcomed Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration and special envoy of President Félix Tshisekedi, at his farm in Kisozi on Monday. Their discussions centered on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC and the urgent need for regional peace and stability in the Great Lakes area.
This high-level meeting reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts between Kinshasa and Kampala to tackle persistent security challenges in the eastern provinces of the DRC. The talks highlight the two nations’ commitment to strengthening political and diplomatic collaboration to restore long-term peace in the region.
Strengthening regional cooperation for lasting peace
In a post on X, President Museveni emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating, « This morning, at my farm in Kisozi, I received Mr. Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, special envoy of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We discussed matters of mutual interest, including the security situation in eastern DRC. Peace and stability in our region are vital for the prosperity of our people, and we will continue working with regional partners to address the challenges facing eastern Congo ».
Floribert Anzuluni, on his part, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted Uganda’s role in supporting peace efforts. « I thank President Yoweri Museveni for the hospitality extended to our delegation. His dedication to restoring peace in eastern DRC is commendable », he noted.
Ongoing security threats in eastern DRC
The meeting comes at a critical time, as the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri continue to grapple with persistent insecurity. The activities of the M23 rebel group, alongside attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), have led to widespread displacement and hindered stabilization efforts by Congolese authorities.
As Kinshasa’s special envoy, Floribert Anzuluni is tasked with conveying messages to regional leaders to bolster political and diplomatic cooperation. This initiative aims to reinforce initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace in eastern DRC.
A united front against armed groups
The partnership between the DRC and Uganda remains a cornerstone of regional strategy. Since November 2021, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Uganda 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 continues to play a pivotal role in combating armed groups.
Beyond security concerns, the two countries are also advancing their economic partnership, focusing on cross-border infrastructure projects to enhance trade and support regional integration.
By reaffirming their commitment to regional partnerships, Kinshasa and Kampala underscore their determination to adopt a coordinated approach in addressing the security challenges threatening stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
