Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, the Uganda contingent commander serving under the East African Regional Force (EACRF), held a security meeting, June 5, 2023, comprising of the community local leaders, youth leaders, and the various religious sects in Rutshuru territory in North Kivu. The meeting is the first official security session with the various key community leaders since the occupation of the bases formerly vacated by the M23.

The meeting also established a security committee team with the goal of creating a workable environment that would be conducive to a process of peaceful political dialogue as well as establishing a clear line of reporting about any violations of the peace agreement and the general security in the area under the command of the UPDF contingent.

Col. Walaka Hyeroba urged the various stakeholders to work with EACRF to restore peace in the territory in a meeting held at the Community Baptist Church of Africa (CBCA) in Buturande village, Rutshuru territory, in the DRC. He added that they are strong allies in the peace process.

Col. Walaka urged them to promptly report any unlawful hate crimes that would incite unrest in the region so that EACRF could intervene before any damage was done.

“Rutshuru territory is a developed town with a high population, which must be protected at all costs so that people can live a happy and peaceful life for future development in the region,” said Col Walaka.

The EACRF Uganda Contingent Commander echoed to the members that the UPDF is a pro-people army and a neutral force that is meant to witness the peaceful dialogue between the M23 and the government of Congo, local and foreign forces.

Owner of Baptist Church (CBCA), Bishop Muhutsa Paul, praised the UPDF contingent peacekeepers for reestablishing calm and harmony in the region, which was a significant problem at the time.

He emphasized to the participants in the discussion the importance of the general public in advancing the peace process, the role of the EACRF, and the goals of the UPDF contingent in Uganda in carrying out the EACRF decree.