EU Envoy Hails UPDF Role in Restoring Stability in DRC

The European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, His Excellency Johan Borgstam, has today met the Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja, who was representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The courtesy call took place at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe.

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

The envoy, who is well versed with DRC and had flown in from Bunia in Eastern DRC on his routine tour of the region, 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.

H.E. Johan Borgstam called upon the UPDF to continue working closely with other well-intentioned partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 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.

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.

H.E. Jan Sadak, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, who was part of the EU team, 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 for the gallant UPDF soldiers working under ATMIS who lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash in Somalia.

H.E. Borgstam was accompanied by Mr 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.