06 Jul 2018 | 10:42 AM UTC
DRC/Uganda: Deadly clashes on Lake Edward July 5
Ugandan patrol boat attacked DRC patrol on Lake Edward July 5; seven killed and two injured
Event
According to local officials, a Ugandan patrol boat attacked a DRC naval patrol in the Congolese waters of Lake Edward, near the Congolese village of Kyavinyonge, on Thursday, July 5. Four Ugandan soldiers and three Ugandan civilians were reportedly killed; on the Congolese side, a soldier and a civilian were injured.
Context
The relationship between the DRC and Uganda is tense due to disputes over claims to hydropower resources around Lake Edward.
The Congolese navy is tasked with preventing militia fighters, local rebels, and others from neighboring Uganda and Rwanda from operating in the area. According to local sources, clashes between the forces of the two neighboring countries have multiplied since the start of this month. On Wednesday, July 4, a Ugandan patrol boat arrested 18 Congolese fishermen on the lake as they were casting their nets on the Ugandan waters.
Advice
Individuals present near the Lake Edward area are advised to monitor developments in the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
