Commanders of the UPDF and the Congolese army meet to discuss the operation against the ADF.
Commander of Operation Sukola Grand- Nord, in the DRC to discuss the continuing combined UPDF and FARDC operations against the ADF code-named Shujaa.
Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, met with Maj Gen Camille Bombele, Commander of Operation Sukola Grand- Nord, in the DRC to discuss the continuing combined UPDF and FARDC operations against the ADF code-named Shujaa.
The meeting took place near River Semliki in the DRC’s North Kivu province at the joint tactical headquarters.
The two commanders noted that ADF activities had been hindered since the start of the joint operations on November 30, when four ADF camps, Tondoli, Kambi Yayu, Abia, Belu 1 and Belu 2, were struck by UPDF air and artillery.
Now that the terrorists have been ousted from their former strongholds, the commanders have decided on a coordinated operational plan to ramp up operations in several regions.
The attack on ADF has also restored relative peace in the area, allowing residents to continue socio-economic activity, according to the review meeting.
Following a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Uganda and the DRC to conduct coordinated operations for the elimination of ADF and other foreign armed organizations in the eastern portion of DRC, Operation Shujaa, a Kiswahili word meaning “bravery,” is being implemented.
The activities are taking place in the provinces of Ituri and Grand North.
The two countries are expected to resume road building on the Kasindi – Beni – Butembo and Bunagana – Rutshuru – Goma routes once security has been restored.
Agreement
The Ugandan government and its colleagues in the Democratic Republic of Congo inked a definitive agreement a few days ago that will ensure coordinated operations between the two nations’ forces.
Defence Minister Vincent Ssempijja signed the bilateral general agreement on defense cooperation on behalf of Uganda, while his Congolese colleague, Dr Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga, signed on behalf of the DRC government.
The agreement established an official legal framework that regulates the two countries’ combined military and defense actions.
Although both forces have kept quiet about the number of casualties since the operation began three weeks ago, it was recently announced that 34 “terrorists” had been detained and 31 Congolese prisoners had been released.
Soldiers from the UPDF and the FADRC continue to track the rebels as part of the combined operation.
