EU envoy hails UPDF role in restoring stability in DR Congo

WAKISO - The European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, Johan Borgstam, held a meeting with the Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja. 

The meeting took place earlier on Friday, September 05, at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe.

Kayanja, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, briefed the EU envoy on the experiences of the joint UPDF and FARDC (DRC Army) operations in Eastern DRC.

The envoy had flown into  Entebbe from Bunia in Eastern DRC on his routine tour of the region.

A release from the CDF indicates that the envoy expressed the EU’s appreciation for the work done by the UPDF in restoring normalcy in areas where the forces have jointly operated with FARDC to flush out the ADF since December 2021.

Borgstam's team included Jan Sadak, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, who called upon the UPDF to continue working closely with other well-intentioned partners in delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of DRC affected by the conflict.

He observed that despite the difficult terrain, the UPDF has made significant progress in its joint operations with the Congolese Army.

Kayanja, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, briefed the EU envoy on the experiences of the joint UPDF and FARDC (DRC Army) operations in Eastern DRC. (UPDF Photo)

Lt Gen Kayanja, on behalf of the CDF, briefed the envoy and his delegation on the progress of the operations and the gains made so far, which have seen many Congolese returning to their homes, schools reopening, and trade booming.

He expressed the UPDF’s willingness to work with all well-intentioned partners in DRC to eliminate the ADF terrorists and create lasting peace in the region.

In his brief remarks, Ambassador Sadak extended greetings and appreciation from the Foreign Minister of the European Union for the work the UPDF is doing in Somalia. 

He also extended his condolences to the gallant UPDF soldiers working under ATMIS who lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash in Somalia.

Borgstam included: Tristan Terryn, Political Advisor to the EUSR, Mr Guillaume Chartrain, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation, and Mr Toke Hauch Arnold, Political Advisor to the EU Delegation.