Ugandan forces will only attack M23 rebels if they fail to implement peace agreement: Museveni

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Uganda’s president said Thursday that Ugandan troops recently deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the regional East African Community force will only attack M23 rebels if they fail to implement a peace agreement.

Yoweri Museveni said the DR Congo government and the M23 have agreed to a peace plan, and if followed, there is no need for fighting.

“We are going to be in the Bunagana-Rutshuru area, not in order to fight the M23, but to act as a neutral force as the Congolese use the time to sort out their political problems. Unless we are attacked, we are not there to fight. Fighting may come later if one of the non-state groups does not accept peace on what we all regard as reasonable conditions,” said Museveni.

The East African Community force is meant to contain the M23 rebels who have launched attacks on DR Congo army positions since June last year and occupied several areas.

Formed in 2012, the M23 attacked DR Congo and was overpowered by government troops. It had stopped attacks until last year.