Day: September 13, 2022

Uganda has made its first war reparations payment to the Democratic Republic of Congo for losses its troops caused during wars and occupations in the 1990s. Uganda paid Kinshasa $65 million; the first of five annual payments ordered in February by the International Court of Justice. Uganda’s payment came as a surprise after years of proceedings and talks with the DRC.

Uganda’s payment to the Democratic Republic of Congo follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice early this year. The court ordered Uganda to pay $325 million to the DRC as reparations for an invasion that lasted from 1998 to 2003.

Under the order, Uganda is to pay $65 million in September of each year from 2022 through 2026.

Uganda Ministry of Finance spokesperson Apollo Mughinda tells VOA that the first payment is a gesture by Uganda that it is willing to pay the amount set by the court.

“Uganda has paid the first installment as per the requirement. We paid 65 million dollars. And you can see the goodwill,” Mughinda said. “If something happens along the way, because we are brothers, we are all members of the East African community, well, it can be negotiated further.”

The ruling by ICJ Judge Joan Donoghue came seven years after Uganda failed to pay or negotiate a request from the DRC to pay $11 billion in compensation for the war.

Great Lakes expert Dismas Nkunda says Uganda’s willingness to make the payment was shocking.

“I am shocked that we can pay. I’m shocked that we can pay on time. I’m shocked that Uganda can listen to a decision by an international court,” Nkunda said. “First of all, the matter before the International Court of Justice, they didn’t take it seriously in the beginning. And they thought that it’s matter they could do a diplomatic maneuver over it and discuss with DR Congo and it would end.”

The $325 million payment includes $225 million for damage to persons, $40 million for damage to property, and $60 million for damage related to natural resources.

The Reuters news agency reports DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed that the first of five installments was received.

Source: Voice of America

The success of many domestic industries in export markets demonstrates our inherent global competitiveness and the huge potential that still exists to grow these industries.

However, to realise that potential, we need to remove the constraints that are hampering the overall competitiveness of our manufacturing industries.

We are forging ahead with the measures I announced in July – alongside the fundamental reform of our energy sector – to resolve the long-standing challenge of reliable electricity supply.

We have made progress in addressing challenges with our rail and port operations.

Several companies have been shortlisted to be considered as partners at the container terminals at the Ports of Durban and Ngqura.

Investments in port and related infrastructure to improve efficiencies will improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products in global markets.

While foreign direct investment is important for our economy, the greatest demonstration of confidence is when our own companies take that lead.

The realisation of Sappi’s investment here at Umkomaas sends the strongest signal that our home-grown multinationals are taking the lead in investing in our economy.

It demonstrates confidence to other potential investors that this is indeed a favourable place to invest in and to do business.

It shows that you are ready and willing to play your part in developing our communities by employing more people and by giving greater opportunities to small businesses.

This is what partnership looks like. This is what social compacting looks like.

Congratulations once again on this milestone.

I look forward to seeing this project expand and thrive, and to witness its benefits for the people of Umkomaas, the economy of KwaZulu-Natal and the progress of our nation.

I thank you.

Source: The Presidency Republic of South Africa