By AGGREY BULUBA
They say, “When two brothers fight, a stranger reaps the harvest,” and as war rages in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has stepped forward, offering to mediate peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group.
His call for dialogue comes at a time when violence has intensified, with M23 fighters seizing control of Goma and other key locations.
John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of regional cooperation, told Parliament on Wednesday that President Museveni is ready to support peace efforts aimed at ending the bloodshed.
“The government of Uganda remains committed to regional peace and stands ready to help in bringing both sides to the negotiating table,” Mulimba said.
The conflict, which has turned North Kivu into a battlefield, has raised deep concerns across the region. Mulimba emphasized that war alone cannot solve the crisis, warning that “a fire cannot be put out with more fire.” He urged all parties to embrace peaceful dialogue.
Meanwhile, international voices have grown louder. The African Union strongly condemned the fighting on Tuesday, calling on M23 rebels to lay down their arms. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also expressed serious concern, demanding an immediate end to hostilities and the withdrawal of M23 forces from captured territories.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise. The United Nations reports that over 400,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of 2025, with thousands of innocent civilians trapped in the crossfire.
Uganda, which shares deep historical and economic ties with the DRC, is closely monitoring the situation. “A good neighbor is better than a distant relative,” and with this spirit, Uganda hopes to play a role in restoring peace and stability in the troubled region.
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