Uganda dialogues with Congo over border insecurity

Uganda and DR Congolese officials on Friday met in Hoima District to discuss the rising tensions and insecurity on the border of the two countries both endowed with vast oil deposits and other minerals.

In Bunyoro, Uganda and DRC are separated by Lake Albert. The Congolese delegation was led by the Ituri Resident District Commissioner, Mr Avo Eka, while the Ugandan team was headed by the Hoima Resident District Commissioner, Ms Jeane Kaliba.

The meeting held at Kijungu Hill Hotel was attended by officials from the army, police, intelligence agencies and elected leaders. The Congolese team appreciated Uganda for hosting their fellow nationals; offering them jobs and hospitality.

“Our government is doing the same for Ugandans living in DRC,” Mr Eka said.
“Our police have been reinforced to fight the wrong elements who have illegal weapons in communities and are using them to cause insecurity,” he added.
He acknowledged that there are armed militia groups that destabilise fishing activities in the border area.

“We need all the boats to be licensed and given identification numbers,” the head of the Congolese delegation added. Ms Kaliba had earlier urged the Congolese authorities to improve on their operations to curb insurgent groups operating in the jungles of eastern DRC. She also decried the piracy that is on the rise on Lake Albert waters.

Ten-hour meeting
The leaders signed a joint communiqué after a 10-hour meeting which resolved to, among others, form a bilateral 12-man committee to formulate an agreement streamlining joint fishing operations on the Lake.

They further agreed to conduct joint operations by fisheries and security officials to prevent clashes and disagreements between the two countries in stemming use of illegal fishing gears.

The communiqué further stated that the Congolese and Ugandan officials harmonise fishing laws and regulations pertaining the management of Lake Albert.

They further resolved that the two countries work jointly in ending the operations of negative forces in eastern DRC that have caused much suffering to the innocent people.

They also resolved that Uganda opens consular offices in Bunia as Ituri opens a similar office in Hoima.