By Peter Ssebulime
Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF) Lt. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi ON Saturday met MONUSCO Force Commander Lt. Gen. Elias Rodrigues Martins Filho, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
The dual discussed the current security situation in the East African region and reiterated the commitment of both sides to continue implementing available security mechanisms to neutralize negative forces in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lt. Gen. Mbadi in his remarks thanked the MONUSCO Force Commander for the Force’s recent efforts to neutralize Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)’s capacity to commit atrocities against the people of Eastern DR Congo and destabilize the region.
He commended the current intelligence sharing mechanism in place, but was quick to call upon MONUSCO and other partners to maximize the utilization of the joint Intelligence fusion cell under the ICGLR arrangement based in Kasese district, to support operations in Eastern DRC.
“Intelligence sharing against negative forces in DR Congo is crucial, we should use the Fusion Cell in Kasese to support your operations and end the suffering of our people meted unto them by ADF,” Gen. Mbadi said.
The D/CDF expressed Uganda’s appreciation to the political leadership in Kinshasa which is committed more than ever before to deal with ADF and other Armed groups in Eastern DRC.
He called upon MONUSCO and the entire regional security architecture to use the opportunity to defeat such groups once and for all.
On his part, Lt. Gen. Rodrigues appreciated Uganda’s leading role in pacifying the region and particularly for the good will to pacify Eastern DR Congo.
He called upon Uganda to always use its influence to partner with MONUSCO to enable the mission execute its mandate.
“Your regional security experience is unmatched, and we count on you for any cooperation and coordination in ensuring we effectively execute our mandate as MONUSCO to ensure delivery of Humanitarian assistance, and prevent attacks against the civilian population.” Gen. Rodrigues emphasized.
MONUSCO and FARDC, the Congolese Army, late last year carried out joint operations where they identified, attacked and managed to seize key ADF positions.
The fight on November 13th, 2018 also saw the capture of a number of ADF elements and weapons, giving hope to the people of Beni area and North Kivu where ADF largely operate.
