Uganda to withdraw troops from DR Congo

The Ugandan army has announced the withdrawal of troops it sent last year to help neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo fight Islamist militants.

According to Lt-Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Ugandan land forces commander, Operation Shujaa had only been intended to last for six months and would end by next month unless an extension was agreed.

The authorities in DR Congo said the terms and timeline for the Ugandan withdrawal would need to be agreed by both countries, the BBC reported.

In December, Uganda sent 1,700 soldiers to take part in the joint operation with Congolese troops against rebels known as the Allied Democratic Forces(ADF).

The ADF is accused of carrying out raids and massacres in eastern DRC and bombings in Uganda.