How The Congo Unrest Is Affecting Uganda?

How The Congo Unrest Is Affecting Uganda?

On January 27, 2025, the M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a significant escalation in the region’s ongoing conflict. The capture of Goma, a city with a population of approximately 2 million, was met with minimal resistance from the Congolese national army, leading to mass panic among residents. Thousands fled the city, with many attempting to cross into neighboring Rwanda to seek safety.

The United Nations has confirmed the presence of regular Rwandan troops supporting the M23 rebels, further complicating the situation. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of invasion, a claim that Rwanda denies, stating that the conflict threatens its security. The UN Security Council has demanded the withdrawal of the M23 rebels and other external forces from the region.

The resurgence of the M23 rebellion, which began in 2021, has had a profound impact on Ugandan trade and businesses. In November 2022, the M23 captured the Bunagana border on the DRC side, prompting the Congolese government to close the border. This closure forced many Ugandan traders to reroute their goods through Rwanda to reach Goma, significantly increasing transportation costs and travel times. Businesses in Kisoro and Kabale towns have been among the most affected, experiencing substantial declines in trade volume.

Prior to the conflict, Uganda and the DRC had signed an agreement to construct the 89-kilometer Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma road to enhance trade between the two nations. However, the resurgence of fighting in the Bunagana-Rutshuru area has halted construction efforts. The project, undertaken by Dott Services, was suspended after M23 rebels captured parts of the region and two Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers protecting the road equipment were killed.

The economic impact of the conflict is significant. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has reported annual losses exceeding UGX 500 million due to the closure of the Bunagana border. Before the conflict, the border facilitated substantial trade activity, but since June 2022, when the M23 rebels seized control, trade has nearly come to a standstill. The once-bustling parking yards for trucks are now idle, and immigration offices are non-functional. Trucks heading to the DRC are now forced to use alternative routes through Rwanda, further complicating logistics and increasing costs for traders.

The M23 rebels have maintained control of the Bunagana border since June 2022, halting trade and operations on the Congolese side. The conflict has forced trucks heading to the DRC to use the Chanika border, which connects Uganda and Rwanda, before continuing to Goma. As the situation remains unresolved, the economic toll on Uganda continues to mount, affecting both local communities and national revenue.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of M23 rebels from Goma. The United States, United Kingdom, and France have condemned the rebel advances and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC has prioritized the protection of civilians and its personnel amid the escalating violence.

The capture of Goma by M23 rebels represents a critical juncture in the DRC’s ongoing conflict, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations. The situation remains fluid, and the need for diplomatic intervention and humanitarian assistance is more pressing than ever.

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