Ugandan Troops Shoot One Dead, Injure Another in Rutshuru

Ugandan peace troops in the conflict-ridden North Kivu province in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have shot dead one person and injured another in a crackdown on insecurity in Kiwanja town, Rutshuru territory. Captain Hassan Ahmed Kato, the Spokesperson for the Ugandan contingent, explains that while on patrol, the troops received information about a group of troublemakers breaking into the homes and shops of local residents. 

According to Kato, the group targeted residences in Lueshe zone and Abattoir Avenue areas of Buturande in Kiwanja, stealing goats from the locals. Their luck ran out when they attempted to loot a shop on a nearby street, unaware that Ugandan troops were patrolling in the vicinity.  Kato explains that when the troops moved in to apprehend the attackers, they encountered resistance, resulting in one person being fatally shot, and another sustaining injury. 

Kato noted that a third suspect was arrested, while the rest managed to escape. The identities of the deceased and injured individuals are still unknown, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. Ugandan troops deployed in Rutshuru territory, including locations such as Bunagana, Kiwanja, Mabenga, and Rutshuru town, as part of the resolutions made by the East African Community (EAC) heads of state summit. 

Their primary mission is to reclaim areas previously held by the M23 rebels as well as to establish a buffer zone to prevent further clashes between M23 rebels and FARDC soldiers. Similar peacekeeping missions have seen troops from Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan deployed in Masisi and Nyiragongo territories. However, despite these efforts, total stability has remained elusive. M23 rebels have resurfaced in the same areas following the withdrawal of Burundian troops after the DR Congo government took control of Mushaki town in Masisi territory.

Heavy clashes between the two factions occurred in Kirolirwe, Rugogwe Busumba, Kirumbu, and Kibarizo in Masisi territory, with both sides accusing each other of launching attacks and violating ceasefire directives. The conflict in North Kivu began in March 2022 when the M23 rebels initiated hostilities against the DR Congo government, specifically targeting the North Kivu province. The DR Congo government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, although both Rwanda and the rebel group vehemently deny any such involvement.  The rebels claim to be fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC.