Six months after closing key border crossings due to rebel advances, Uganda has reopened its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision follows the seizure of Goma by the M23 rebel group, which had previously prompted the shutdown of crossings in Congo’s North Kivu province.
The reopened border will allow traffic to resume through the Bunagana and Ishasha crossings—areas now under rebel control. The military assistant to Uganda’s army chief, stated that the reopening was ordered by President Yoweri Museveni. He also warned that individuals who blocked the crossings and disrupted trade between the two nations will now face investigation.
The move comes after a recent peace agreement brokered in Washington, where Rwanda and the DRC agreed to support future peace talks between M23 rebels and the Congolese army. The conflict has escalated significantly since late 2021, with M23 launching a renewed offensive that intensified earlier this year.
Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels—a claim supported by the U.S., which has cited evidence of Rwandan military involvement. Rwanda, however, denies any direct links to the rebel group.
The reopening of the border marks a tentative step toward normalization, though tensions remain high as regional leaders push for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis.
