The Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) and heads of military intelligence from across the East African region have highlighted the need for the different partner states to combine efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants.
The military chiefs from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi were meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House in Entebbe on Sunday. They are in Uganda at the invitation of their counter part, the UPDF CDF Gen David Muhoozi.
During the discussion, the regional security situation was reviewed, with particular focus placed on the recent resurgence of ADF attacks in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The CDFs agreed that the ADF is a threat to the region that requires a coordinated regional approach to tackle it. This was in context of the links that ADF has with elements of The Alshabab as well as the ISIS.
The Defence Chiefs commended current efforts by the Congolese Armed Forces, FARDC supported by MONUSCO and UPDF to wipe out the terrorists in Easter DRC. They further agreed that the ongoing offensive against the rebel group be supported and sustained.
In light of an earlier resolution for partner states to deploy supporting forces to the Joint Follow up mechanism in Kasese, countries that have not honoured their obligations were reminded to do so without further delay.
This will enhance the exchange of intelligence. Uganda deployed its officers in 2016 when the centre in Kasese was opened under the auspicies of the International Conferene on Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Sunday’s meeting recognised the necessity for more bilateral and multilateral engagement amongst EAC parties so as to build a secure environment conducive for socio-economic transform.
The meeting was also attended by CDFs and CMIs of the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa as well as Senior UPDF commanders.
