John Mulimba, Uganda's State Minister for Regional Cooperation, confirmed that Uganda’s Embassy in Kinshasa was attacked by a violent mob. He assured that no embassy staff were harmed during the incident. Mulimba briefed Parliament about the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), explaining that on Sunday, January 26, rioters looted the embassy and set parts of it on fire, an action he deemed a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). He noted that the embassy premises had been secured and that the DRC government had promised to protect Uganda’s diplomatic missions.
The attack coincided with increasing tensions following the capture of Goma by M23 rebels on January 27. The assault on Uganda’s embassy was believed to be linked to accusations that Uganda was supporting the M23 rebel group. However, Mulimba firmly denied these allegations, stating that Uganda had no ties to any armed groups in the DRC. He explained that the ongoing conflict in the DRC was driven by a mix of ethnic issues, citizenship disputes, economic exploitation, and high youth unemployment. He also highlighted Uganda's role in hosting over 560,000 Congolese refugees, underscoring the significant pressure the crisis was placing on Uganda's resources.
Mulimba reiterated Uganda’s commitment to the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, which aim to mediate the conflict. He also mentioned the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which had helped reduce M23's territorial control by 80% before its mandate expired in December 2023.
In light of security concerns, Uganda Airlines suspended flights to Kinshasa as a precaution. Mulimba reassured Parliament that Uganda was closely monitoring the situation and would continue to advise its citizens in the DRC. He also emphasized Uganda’s cooperation with the DRC in handling former M23 fighters, stating that all ex-combatants who sought refuge in Uganda were disarmed and repatriated under international supervision.
Mulimba stressed the importance of a diplomatic solution to the crisis, warning against relying solely on military means. He called for intensified diplomatic and mediation efforts to achieve lasting peace. He also assured Parliament that Uganda was committed to protecting its citizens, investments, and diplomatic interests in the DRC, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively evaluating measures to support Ugandans in conflict-affected areas.
Parliament has now called on the government to take more concrete actions to protect Uganda's national interests in the region. This follows concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned the state of Uganda's relationship with DRC, particularly since Uganda’s Ambassador to the DRC has not been accredited for about four years. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, however, did not allow MPs to debate Mulimba’s statement due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
By Elite Daily News
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