Ugandan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forces have freed at least 200 civilians in a joint raid on an Islamist militant camp in northeastern DRC last week, according to a statement from the Ugandan People's Defense Forces (UPDF). The operation targeted a camp along the Epulu River in eastern DRC, controlled by what the UPDF termed a "notorious ADF commander, Ssebagala, also known as Mzee Mayor." The raid is part of the ongoing "Operation Shujaa," a joint effort between the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) that has "intensified" since January this year.
Several ADF fighters were killed, and a cache of weapons was recovered during the operation. Among those rescued was a 14-year-old girl, the youngest of the captives. The Overall Joint Commander of Operation Shujaa, Major General Stephen Mugerwa, addressed the freed hostages, stating, "You are not under detention. You are the victims of abduction, and we shall ensure you are handed over to the relevant authorities so you can reunite with your families." Many of the captives recounted harsh conditions, including lack of food, forced labor, and punishment for disobedience during their captivity.
The UPDF reported that several of the freed individuals appeared frail, suffering from untreated illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, and physical exhaustion. The offensive also targeted other ADF positions, including areas along the Ituri River. Uganda and DRC forces have stepped up operations against the ADF in recent months, partly amid somewhat reduced tensions on another eastern DRC frontier with M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda. A fragile peace accord for that conflict came into force this year.
According to the UPDF, amid recent military gains against the ADF, more former captives have been escaping from the group, with "dozens ... reporting to joint force locations such as Lolwa, Kyndala Kundala and Babungwe." The sustained offensive has reportedly improved security in parts of eastern DRC, enabling displaced communities to return home, schools to reopen, and cross-border trade between Uganda and the DRC to resume.
Operation Shujaa was first launched in November 2021 in response to attacks by the ADF committed on either side of the countries' border. The ADF is recognized as a terrorist group by both governments and the US, and is subject to UN sanctions. The group started more openly allying itself with the so-called Islamic State as of 2016, shortly after its leadership changed, though the Islamic State did not begin formally claiming its attacks within its central media until 2019.
Source: www.dw.com