KAMPALA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Military chiefs of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to jointly patrol disputed waters following a recent spate of attacks, abductions and killings, a spokesperson said here Sunday.

Brig. Richard Karemire, Uganda's military spokesperson told Xinhua that Brig. Kayanja Muhanga, Uganda's second division commander based in the western district of Mbarara and his eastern DRC counterpart, Maj. Gen. Marcel Mbangu on Saturday agreed to ease and diffuse tensions over disputed waters on Lake Albert and Lake Edward.

"We agreed on cooperation and liaison between the commanders of our forces as a way of mitigating and minimizing insecurity incidents in our waters," said Karemire.

"We agreed to continue sharing intelligence information, meeting and doing joint patrols to stop insecurity on waters, and ensure safety and peace," he added.

At least two Ugandan fishermen are dead and one injured near Kaiso landing site on Lake Albert in mid-western district of Hoima due to deadly attacks by armed Congolese Lendu militiamen on Nov. 17, which came barely five days after the same militia killed five Ugandan fishermen on the same lake, local media reported.

Philemon Mateke, Uganda's state minister for regional cooperation told Xinhua last week that the East African country will be forced to reciprocate if the Congolese militias continue to attack and kill Ugandan fishermen over the disputed waters.

Fishery and security officials of both countries have previously agreed to conduct joint operations to prevent clashes. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)