Congo-Ouganda: envoy steps up diplomacy for eastern DRC stability

On Monday, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni welcomed Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration and special envoy of Kinshasa, at his private farm in Kisozi. Their meeting centered on the deepening security crisis in eastern DRC and the urgent need for regional collaboration to restore peace and stability across the Great Lakes area.

The exchange reflects a broader diplomatic push by the Congolese government to engage neighboring capitals in addressing the persistent threats posed by armed groups operating near the country’s eastern borders. The visit follows a series of high-level consultations aimed at aligning strategies and mobilizing joint regional action.

In a statement shared on social media, President Museveni underlined the strategic importance of the discussions: “This morning at my farm in Kisozi, I received Mr. Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, the special envoy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We addressed common concerns, with particular focus on the security situation in eastern DRC. Peace and stability in our region are vital to the prosperity of our people, and we remain committed to working with regional partners to address the challenges facing eastern Congo.”

Floribert Anzuluni reciprocated the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the Ugandan leader’s warm reception and highlighting the shared commitment to restoring peace. “I sincerely thank President Yoweri Museveni for the cordial welcome extended to our delegation. His dedication to peace in eastern DRC is deeply appreciated,” he stated.

The timing of the visit is critical. Provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri continue to grapple with escalating violence, driven by the resurgence of the M23 rebel coalition and relentless attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). These ongoing threats have triggered massive population displacements and severely strained government-led stabilization efforts.

As Kinshasa’s special representative, Floribert Anzuluni’s mission is to strengthen political and diplomatic ties with regional leaders, advocating for unified regional initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace in eastern Congo.

The collaboration between the DRC and Uganda remains a cornerstone of this regional strategy. Since late 2021, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and Uganda’s People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have jointly executed Operation Shujaa, targeting ADF fighters accused of widespread civilian attacks. The operation has since been renewed multiple times, reaffirming both nations’ resolve to dismantle armed groups and restore security.

Beyond military cooperation, the two countries are also advancing economic integration. Joint infrastructure projects, including transboundary road networks, are being developed to enhance trade flows and support regional economic resilience.

By reaffirming their dedication to coordinated action, Kinshasa and Kampala are sending a clear message: a unified regional response is essential to overcoming the persistent security challenges that threaten stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.