Great Lakes leaders unite behind renewed DRC peace initiative

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Leaders from across the Great Lakes region have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries, following a high-level summit held in Entebbe.

Chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework brought together heads of state, government representatives, and guarantor institutions including the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

President Museveni chairing the meeting.

The meeting’s key outcome was the adoption of an ambitious action plan aimed at revitalising the PSC Framework, which was first signed in 2013 to address the root causes of recurring conflict in eastern DRC and promote regional stability.

Renewed push to disarm armed groups

In their communiqué, the signatory countries expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, citing mass displacement of civilians and a sharp increase in conflict-related sexual violence.

They condemned the territorial advances and parallel administrations established by the M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) group, allegedly supported by external actors, and called for the swift implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2773.

The leaders also demanded the dismantling of other foreign armed groups operating in the region—including the FDLR, ADF, RED Tabara, and CODECO—and urged them to lay down their arms unconditionally. The Contact and Coordination Group (CCG) was tasked with intensifying engagement with these groups to encourage voluntary disarmament and repatriation.

Support for regional peace efforts

The summit voiced solidarity with the government and people of Sudan in the face of ongoing rebellion. The leaders endorsed Sudan’s nationally led peace roadmap and condemned atrocities by the RSF militia, including the siege of El Fasher and drone strikes on Port Sudan.

They also applauded South Sudan’s continued efforts to implement the Revitalised Peace Agreement and welcomed Uganda’s bilateral and regional engagements, such as joint military operations against the ADF in DRC and regional infrastructure projects, as part of fulfilling commitments under the PSC Framework.

Notably, the leaders hailed the appointment of women to the EAC-SADC Panel of Facilitators and reiterated their support for inclusive peace processes across the region.

Strengthening accountability and implementation

Further emphasised was the need to strengthen accountability through regular reporting and a new peer-review system. Leaders also agreed to involve women, youth, and civil society in monitoring the Framework’s implementation and endorsed the creation of a regional women mediators group to support peace processes.

A major focus was placed on curbing the illicit exploitation of natural resources, which continues to fuel instability. The leaders called for enhanced transparency and responsible management in line with ICGLR protocols.

Looking ahead

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the revitalised Action Plan for 2025–2027 and a commitment to reconvene in 2026 to review progress. Gratitude was expressed to President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi for his leadership as outgoing ROM Chair and to President Museveni and the people of Uganda for hosting the summit.

Uganda was encouraged to consult with regional partners on the designation of the next ROM Chair and host of the 13th High-Level Meeting.

The summit closed with a renewed recognition that peace is the bedrock of sustainable development and prosperity in the Great Lakes region.