The Ugandan leader called on DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to take the first step toward initiating direct talks with AFC/M23 in an effort to find a lasting solution to the conflict that has persisted for years in eastern Congo.
Museveni said Kinshasa should first present a clear proposal aimed at resolving the crisis peacefully instead of immediately treating the armed group as an enemy that cannot be engaged in dialogue.
He stated:
“We encourage Tshisekedi to present them with a clear proposal. If they later refuse to negotiate, then they can be considered a negative force. But first, there must be an attempt to resolve the issue through dialogue.”
Museveni also recalled Uganda’s role in previous negotiations following M23’s capture of the city of Goma in 2012.
He noted that although several agreements were reached between the Congolese government and M23 fighters over the years, they failed to fully address the root causes behind recurring conflicts in eastern Congo.
Can Dialogue Provide a Solution?
Museveni’s remarks come at a time when fighting between AFC/M23 and the Congolese army (FARDC) continues in various areas of eastern Congo, with the armed group having taken control of several territories in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
The DRC government continues to accuse Rwanda of supporting AFC/M23, allegations Kigali denies, saying that the security crisis in eastern Congo requires dialogue and the resolution of underlying issues.
On its side, AFC/M23 says it is fighting for the rights of communities it claims have faced long-term discrimination, particularly Congolese communities of Tutsi origin, while continuing to call for political negotiations.
However, the Kinshasa government has repeatedly rejected direct talks with M23, arguing that it is an armed group that must first lay down its weapons and respect the country’s sovereignty.
Museveni’s proposal has renewed debate over how the conflict in eastern DRC can be resolved, with some regional leaders arguing that a lasting solution cannot be achieved through military action alone but may require a political process involving all parties.
By Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune.rw
