Uganda Collaborates with Congo After Attack on Humanitarian Aircraft
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Synopsis
Uganda is in talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following a militant attack on a humanitarian aircraft in eastern DRC, which resulted in one death. Military leaders from both countries are working towards restoring stability in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Militants targeted a humanitarian aircraft in eastern DRC.
- One person was killed in the attack.
- Uganda is coordinating with the DRC regarding the incident.
- Military leaders from both nations are urging local armed groups to disarm.
- Ongoing conflict has led to mass displacement and instability.
Kampala, April 1 (NationPress) Uganda is in discussions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following an incident where militants targeted a humanitarian aircraft in eastern DRC, resulting in the death of one individual, as reported by a military spokesperson.
Chris Magezi, a representative for the Ugandan military, revealed in a statement released late Monday that the International Committee of the Red Cross had engaged Ocean Heights Aviation Training Centre in Uganda to facilitate the evacuation of its humanitarian personnel affected by the conflict in South Kivu province of eastern DRC.
According to Magezi, the aircraft, a Cessna Caravan, was en route from Uganda's Entebbe International Airport to Kavumu Airport in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, when it came under fire as it neared its destination on Thursday.
“The pilots managed to reach their destination but landed when the security conditions had significantly deteriorated. Reports indicate that one individual aboard the aircraft was shot and later succumbed to their injuries. The Ugandan government is actively pursuing this issue through appropriate diplomatic channels,” Magezi stated.
“The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces are not involved in this incident, but we are deeply concerned about the harm caused to our fellow citizens. We are prepared to provide any necessary assistance if requested,” he added.
The aircraft was piloted by a Ugandan and a South Sudanese national, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In February, the March 23 Movement (M23) armed group took control of Kavumu Airport, situated approximately 30 km from Bukavu city, which is an essential hub for humanitarian and military flights.
The ongoing turmoil in South Kivu and North Kivu provinces of eastern DRC has triggered mass displacements, rising instability, and intensified diplomatic strains between the DRC and Rwanda.
Efforts are being made, both diplomatically and militarily, to restore order in the DRC.
On March 30, military leaders from Uganda and the DRC urged local armed groups in the unstable eastern DRC to surrender and participate in the DRC government's disarmament initiative.
