UPDF Denies Negotiating on Behalf of M23 Rebels with DRC Government

The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) has dismissed reports circulating on social media that Uganda is negotiating with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government on behalf of the M23 rebels.

UPDF clarified that Uganda is not authorized to negotiate on behalf of M23 as the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State have already appointed a political facilitator, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The UPDF's deployment in DRC is part of the EAC regional force, tasked with enforcing the ceasefire and monitoring the withdrawal of the FARDC and M23 to designated containment areas.

Uganda's President, Yoweri Museveni, and the overall commander of the EAC regional force, Major General Jeff Nyaggah, have emphasized that the troops are not in North Kivu to fight against M23 but to observe the implementation of the ceasefire.

The M23 rebellion against the DRC government began in March 2023, with the rebels fighting against bad leadership in DR Congo based on corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination.