Uganda has reopened its border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), six months after sealing off key routes due to escalating violence by the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo.
The reopening, ordered directly by President Yoweri Museveni, affects the Bunagana, Ishasha, and Busanza border points in North Kivu province. The closures followed M23’s capture of the strategic city of Goma and were aimed at preventing rebel incursions and protecting cross-border trade. Ugandan military assistant Chris Magezi announced the decision on social media and revealed that officials responsible for disrupting trade during the shutdown would face investigation.
The move comes on the heels of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed recently in Washington, where Rwanda and the DRC pledged to support future negotiations between the M23 and Congolese forces. The rebel group — largely composed of ethnic Tutsis — resumed its offensive in 2021, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee. The Congolese government has long accused Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons — claims supported by U.S. intelligence. Rwanda denies any involvement. With international diplomacy intensifying and borders reopened, regional dynamics are rapidly evolving.
Analysts caution that the peace effort remains fragile, and its success hinges on sustained international pressure and a genuine commitment to compromise from all parties involved.