Museveni advocates for robust regional cooperation to address eastern drc security challenges

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently hosted Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, at his Kisozi presidential farm, approximately 150 kilometers from Kampala. The meeting, held on Monday, July 13, saw Minister Anzuluni convey a crucial message from President Félix Tshisekedi, underscoring the ongoing surge in regional diplomatic engagements and the persistent conflict in Eastern DRC between Congolese government forces and the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion.

During their discussions, President Museveni reiterated Uganda’s unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration with the DRC and other regional partners. He emphasized the collective effort required to effectively address the enduring security challenges plaguing the eastern part of the country, a critical aspect of African current affairs.

“We deliberated on matters of mutual concern, particularly the security landscape in Eastern DRC. Peace and stability across our region are fundamental to the prosperity of our communities, and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with our regional allies to overcome the obstacles facing Eastern Congo,” President Museveni affirmed on his official X account.

This high-level encounter follows President Tshisekedi’s official visit to Uganda on May 11 and 12, 2026, which aimed at bolstering the multi-sectoral partnership between Kinshasa and Kampala. During that visit, the two heads of state engaged in a private discussion at State House Entebbe before overseeing the signing of six pivotal memoranda of understanding. These agreements were meticulously prepared and endorsed during the 9th session of the Permanent Joint Commission, involving 15 ministers from both the Congolese and Ugandan governments.

The signed accords are designed to deepen economic integration between the two nations and cultivate an environment of shared prosperity, all while upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state. Key areas of cooperation include the inter-state utilization of search and rescue (SAR) facilities during peacetime, enhancement of bilateral trade, collaboration in public administration, information and communication technologies, export promotion, and tourism development. These initiatives reflect a broader focus on African governance and continent news.

Through these commitments, Kinshasa aims to strengthen its ties with Kampala within the Great Lakes region, especially as its relationship with Kigali has deteriorated due to accusations that Rwanda supports the AFC/M23 rebellion in Eastern DRC. This diplomatic thrust comes at a time when various peace initiatives, notably those launched in Washington and Doha, are still struggling to achieve tangible results on the ground, despite some progress in negotiation frameworks.