By Our Reporter
Heads of State and Government from across Africa gathered in Entebbe on May 27 for the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region. The meeting aimed to address persistent insecurity and humanitarian crises in the Great Lakes region, particularly in eastern DRC.
Chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the summit brought together leaders and representatives from 13 signatory countries of the PSC Framework, along with key guarantor institutions including the African Union (AU), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the United Nations. International observers and development partners also participated.
At the center of the summit’s deliberations was the alarming deterioration of security in eastern DRC. Leaders expressed grave concern over escalating violence, mass displacement, and widespread human rights violations—particularly sexual violence related to conflict. Armed groups such as M23/AFC, FDLR, ADF, RED Tabara, and CODECO were unequivocally condemned, with urgent calls for their disarmament and the end of any external support.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the adoption of a revitalized Action Plan for the PSC Framework. Developed by the Technical Support Committee and vetted by foreign ministers, the plan outlines targeted steps to strengthen regional cooperation, improve accountability, and address the root causes of conflict. The leaders reaffirmed the PSC Framework’s central role as a guiding mechanism for sustainable peace in the region.
Among the key resolutions and outcomes:
- Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty: A united appeal for mutual respect among states and a renewed pledge to cease any support to armed factions or to shelter individuals accused of grave crimes.
- Sudan Peace Support: Expression of solidarity with Sudan’s peace roadmap and strong condemnation of atrocities committed by the RSF rebel militia, including attacks that endanger humanitarian operations.
- Recognition of Uganda’s Contributions: Commendation for Uganda’s military efforts against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and its role in advancing cross-border infrastructure critical for regional stability.
- Diplomatic Mediation Efforts: Acknowledgment of mediation efforts by Angola, Togo, the United States, and Qatar in facilitating dialogue among the DRC, Rwanda, and armed actors.
- Inclusive Peacebuilding: Commitment to strengthening youth and women’s involvement in peace efforts. A network of women mediators is to be established, and regional youth and women peace fora will be bolstered.
- Combatting Impunity and Illicit Resource Exploitation: Renewed dedication to enforcing regional protocols to curb illegal mining and trade of natural resources that fuel conflicts.
The meeting also took note of the findings from the independent assessment of the PSC Framework conducted during its 10th anniversary. Leaders agreed to enhance peer review mechanisms among member states to reinforce compliance with agreed commitments.
As conflict continues to undermine development in the Great Lakes region, the Entebbe summit served as a pivotal moment of unity and determination among African leaders. It signaled a shared resolve to shift from rhetoric to actionable commitments for lasting peace and security.
The next High-Level ROM meeting is expected to assess the implementation of the new Action Plan and further operationalize accountability structures—marking the next phase of regional cooperation for a more stable and prosperous future.