Uganda dismisses UN report's claims it backs M23 rebels in DRC
The report commissioned by the UN Security Council and seen by AFP this week alleged 'active support' for the M23 by Ugandan intelligence services members.
The Ugandan flag. Picture: jorono from Pixabay
KAMPALA, Uganda - Uganda on Wednesday dismissed claims in a report by UN experts that it was backing M23 rebels active in the restive east of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The report commissioned by the UN Security Council and seen by AFP this week alleged "active support" for the M23 by Ugandan intelligence services members.
Asked about the claims of backing the M23, deputy defence spokesman Deo Akiiki told AFP in Kampala: "The allegations are laughable, baseless and illogical to say Uganda is working to destabilise DRC.
"Our forces have been working together with DRC forces to ensure peace returns to eastern DRC," he added.
Uganda and the DRCongo have been engaged in "peace-building infrastructure... that have greatly improved relations between our two countries."
Uganda was part of a seven-nation East African Community force that deployed in the violence plagued region in November 2022, at the invitation of the DRC authorities, to free areas taken by the resurgent M23 rebel group.
But the East African force withdrew late last year after Kinshasa refused to renew its mandate.