Rebel faction reportedly seeks Uganda’s backing

Rebels of the Goma-based Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD) have reportedly sought Uganda’s backing amid the “emerging leadership crisis in the faction and dwindling support from Rwanda”, the weekly ‘EastAfrican’ newspaper reported on Monday. It quoted sources as saying the faction’s second vice president Moise Nyarugabo and chief of intelligence Bizima Karaha’s surprise visit to Kampala last weekend followed days of “intense infighting” among members of the RCD general assembly.

Meanwhile, the Ugandan authorities said on Monday they were not aware of the details or reasons for the RCD officials’ visit. Uganda’s senior presidential media adviser, John Nagenda, told IRIN that as Uganda was a signatory to the Lusaka accord, it was keen to follow the agreement to the letter. “We will have to be sure that our interests are safeguarded and that our border is safe,” he said. “The accord stipulates that the Interahamwe also be dismantled to ensure security in Rwanda,” Nagenda added. “To this end we will work together, but for this particular approach by RCD leaders I do not have the details.”