Uganda. On Friday, the militia coalition under their umbrella Wazalendo (patriots) who are fighting alongside Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers released a statement accusing Ugandan troops of fighting alongside M23 rebels in Mushaki in Masisi territory.
“Ugandan troops are fighting on the side of the RDF/M23 at Mushaki and foreign mercenaries have been arrested by our troops. Let’s all stand behind the young patriots. We are Wazalendo. Congo First,” Wazalendo claims in a statement.”
However, on Sunday, Ugandan troops through their spokesperson, Captain Ahmed Hassan Kato released a statement refuting the claims. Captain Kato says that the claims are just mere propaganda and fallacy aimed at soiling the image of Ugandan troops.
Kato says that Ugandan troops have never operated in Mushaki as it is being falsely claimed by Wazalendo because its mandate was to keep peace in Rutshuru territory specifically Bunagana, Mabenga, Tshengerero, and Kiwanja but not Masisi.
On Saturday, M23 rebels advanced from Mushaki to Kirotshe, Ngungu, and Murambi towards Kagano. M23 is also controlling from Mushaki to Kabaya 2 in the mountains overlooking the town of Bihambwe. Wazalendo is also deployed in Bihambwe town trying to prevent M23 from advancing toward the Rubaya mining area in Masisi.
In March 2022, M23 led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga launched a war against the government. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing M23, but Rwanda and M23 strongly deny it. The rebels claim to fight against bad leadership in DR Congo based on corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination.
