The recent attack by the Islamic State Central Africa Province on foreign tourists and a citizen in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park highlights a shift in the group’s strategy, targeting the country’s crucial tourism sector.
This blog post explores the evolution of the Islamic State’s presence in the region, its historical roots, and the changing nature of its attacks.
Moreover, it delves into the regional dynamics involving Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda that contribute to the group’s survival and growth.
Historical Background
Originally known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the group was formed in the mid-1990s with support from the rulers of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan to counter Uganda’s influence.
The ADF comprised a merger of disparate factions, including former members of the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda and fighters from the Ugandan Islamic Salafi Foundation.
Over time, the group grew more Islamic, culminating in its acceptance as a province by the Islamic State in 2019.
Change in Strategy
Recent attacks by the Islamic State Central Africa Province have taken two distinct forms: terror attacks and assassinations in urban areas like Kampala, and heavy military-style assaults on civilians in Uganda’s border regions with the DRC.
The group has adopted traditional terror tools, including beheadings and suicide bombings, while attempting to assassinate Ugandan government leaders.
The attacks have expanded into Uganda, targeting schools and businesses in the border zone.
Uganda’s Response
In response to the increased attacks, Uganda intervened in Congo in December 2021 with Congolese approval. However, the offensive has not succeeded in ending terror attacks within Uganda.
Ongoing attacks from the M23, the largest guerrilla group in eastern Congo, add complexity to the situation.
The M23’s success on the battlefield and the resulting displacement of millions of refugees create a chaotic environment that the Islamic State Central Africa Province exploits.
Challenges and the Way Forward
The regional rivalry between Congo and Rwanda, coupled with long-standing mistrust, provides fertile ground for the Islamic State’s local outfit.
To counter this threat, genuine regional cooperation and trust must be fostered.
This involves sustained attention to the conflict in Congo, active efforts for dialogue, and a focus on resolving unrest in the Uganda-Rwanda-DRC border areas.
International actors must remain engaged to ensure lasting stability in the region and address the roots of nearly three decades of conflict in the Congo.