Imagine millions of people displaced, starving, and lacking basic necessities in a war-torn region. That's the stark reality in eastern Congo, where a complex web of conflict and humanitarian crisis is unfolding. But here's the glimmer of hope: the European Union is stepping up, aiming to work with Uganda to deliver life-saving aid. But can they navigate the political minefield and actually make a difference?
As the U.S.-brokered peace deal teeters on the edge of collapse, the EU is taking a humanitarian approach by engaging with key regional players. Uganda, with its military presence in the conflict zones of North Kivu and Ituri provinces, is central to their strategy. The goal? To secure vital supply routes and the region's main airport, ensuring that desperately needed relief supplies can reach those who need them most.
On Monday, Johan Borgstam, the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, met with Uganda's military leader, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The discussions, also attended by Jan Sadek, the EU Head of Delegation, focused on potentially increasing the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) role in Ituri and North Kivu. This would be aimed at improving humanitarian access. It's important to note that the Ugandan army already has a significant presence, with over 6,000 troops deployed in the area.
The Ugandan army released a statement indicating that Gen. Kainerugaba and Borgstam also discussed the UPDF's external operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Borgstam, who had previously met with Lt-Gen Kayanja Muhanga, UPDF’s Chief of Land Forces, and the commanders leading the joint Operation Shujaa with Congolese forces (ongoing since November 2021), clearly believes Uganda is a crucial element in finding a resolution for eastern Congo.
"I believe that for sustainable solutions that can truly secure peace and stability in the region, it’s incredibly important that Uganda and Burundi are also part of the work towards the solutions," Borgstam stated in Kampala. This highlights the EU's recognition that a comprehensive approach, involving multiple regional actors, is necessary for achieving lasting peace.
Back in August, Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda's importance in resolving the crisis in eastern Congo, especially in response to the Rwanda and Congo peace deal signed in Washington D.C. and the Doha process. "If war breaks out again in Eastern DRC, we will not hesitate for a minute to secure our interests as a country. Not involving the region (i.e. EAC) in the Doha process was a mistake," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). This highlights potential tensions and differing opinions on the best path forward, even among those ostensibly working towards the same goal. Could Uganda's self-proclaimed interests clash with the broader humanitarian objectives? This is a point of controversy worth considering.
Last month, the EU special envoy wrapped up missions to other key players in the region, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Analysts interpret these efforts as Brussels' attempt to shake off criticisms of inaction. The EU Parliament, in February, issued a strong resolution condemning the bloc's perceived lack of action in the region, particularly concerning alleged war crimes committed by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.
These efforts come amid a backdrop of global powers vying for influence in Congo. The United States is reportedly mediating a peace deal between the M23 rebel group and the Kinshasa government, potentially in exchange for access to the country's vast mineral resources. China is also keeping a close watch on how the conflict affects mineral trade. This raises a crucial question: Are these interventions truly about peace and humanitarian aid, or are they driven by economic and geopolitical interests?
Brussels has committed €9 million ($10.43 million) in humanitarian aid to the DRC, announced last month by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. This brings the EU's total humanitarian assistance to the Great Lakes Region for 2025 to €129 million ($149.50 million). While this is a significant contribution, is it enough to address the scale of the crisis?
The conflict in eastern Congo has fueled a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. Despite a US-brokered peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda on June 27, and a ceasefire truce signed in Doha, Qatar, fighting continues. The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported a worsening hunger crisis, with eastern Congo now considered the world's largest crisis for displaced persons. A staggering 5.2 million people have been displaced, with 1.6 million of them displaced this year alone.
Adding to the challenge, funding cuts and closed supply routes are creating severe shortages. Relief agencies like Medecins Sans Frontieres and WFP are being forced to scale back their programs due to dwindling medical and food supplies. This is the part most people miss: it's not just about the initial aid, but also the sustained effort needed to keep people alive and healthy.
Given this dire situation, the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region sees the UPDF as a potential partner in both combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists (an Islamic State affiliate) and ensuring humanitarian access. "I encouraged the UPDF to do what it can to secure humanitarian access, to work closely with the humanitarian actors, and also work with Monusco and to do what they can," said Borgstam.
"It is very important to look at the humanitarian situation also in a military-political perspective," he added. He emphasized that funding cuts for humanitarian aid can have negative security and political consequences, especially when refugees and displaced persons lack access to basic necessities.
Reportedly, Gen. Kainerugaba, Lt-Gen. Muhanga, and field commanders in Beni, North Kivu, have all indicated that securing supply routes and working with humanitarian actors is an integral part of their mission in Ituri and North Kivu. The EU envoy stated that the Ugandan forces understand the negative security impact of a humanitarian situation that spirals out of control.
Borgstam's visit occurred just weeks after French President Emmanuel Macron called for the reopening of Goma Airport and pledged €1.5 billion in humanitarian aid. However, the M23 rejected Macron's pledge, deeming it untimely. This raises questions about the effectiveness of international aid when it is not coordinated with or accepted by all relevant parties.
So, what do you think? Can the EU's strategy of working with Uganda effectively address the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo? Will the various peace deals and aid pledges make a tangible difference on the ground? Or will competing interests and ongoing conflict continue to hinder progress? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. This is a complex issue with no easy answers, and your perspective is valuable.
