By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Uganda has announced the reopening of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), six months after its closure over the advances of M23 rebels.
The closure of the crossings at Bunagana and Ishasha in Congo’s North Kivu province earlier in the year was in response to the seizure of Goma by the M23 rebel group.
Ugandan military assistant Chris Magezi confirmed the reopening on social media, stating that it was ordered directly by President Yoweri Museveni.
Magezi also noted that those responsible for initially closing the crossings and disrupting trade between the two communities will be investigated.
The decision comes after the recent signing of a peace agreement in Washington, where Rwanda, which is alleged to back M23 rebels, and the DRC agreed to support future talks between the rebels and the Congolese army.
The M23 rebel group, largely made up of ethnic Tutsis, resumed its offensive in late 2021. Fighting intensified significantly this year, with the group capturing large areas of eastern Congo, including the strategic city of Goma.
Rwanda has expressed doubt as to whether the peace deal will hold. Analysts believe that the success of upcoming peace talks will depend heavily on continued pressure from international stakeholders and a willingness among parties to compromise.
