DR CONGO: Rebel‐Backed Violence.

Uganda has announced the withdrawal of its troops from eastern DR Congo, where they were part of the East African Community force (EACF). The EACF, deployed in late 2022, faced criticism for failing to stop rebel-backed violence. The withdrawal of Ugandan troops follows that of soldiers from South Sudan, Kenya, and Burundi. The regional force was invited to liberate territory under rebel control, but the government deemed them ineffective and will now rely on troops from the Southern African Community (SADC). Additionally, Burundian troops have been accused of committing human rights abuses in eastern DR Congo. A political-military alliance has also been formed between Congolese opposition figures and rebel groups, leading to tensions with the Congolese government and diplomatic consequences with Kenya. Hostilities have resumed between armed groups and the DR Congo army, resulting in casualties. The situation remains volatile, with the threat of armed conflict between DR Congo and Rwanda still high. [Extracted from the article]