The serene shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, Uganda, recently played host to a momentous gathering that echoed the shared hopes and persistent challenges of the Great Lakes region. On 28 May 2025, Heads of State and Government of the signatory countries to the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework convened for the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM). Chaired by Uganda’s President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the summit brought together leaders and representatives from thirteen African nations, along with key guarantor institutions— the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the United Nations.

This gathering marked a pivotal moment for the region—an urgent call to reassert commitments, confront instability, and craft actionable responses toward lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring states.

Reaffirming Commitments, Addressing Realities

The 12th ROM Meeting came at a time of intensifying insecurity in eastern DRC, marked by territorial encroachments, armed insurgencies, and grave humanitarian crises. In a united voice, the signatory nations condemned the activities of the M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), along with foreign-backed militias such as the ADF, RED Tabara, and CODECO. The leaders called for unconditional disarmament and underscored the urgent implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025).

They stressed strict adherence to the foundational commitments of the PSC Framework, including non-interference in the sovereignty of neighboring states, refraining from supporting armed groups, and upholding human rights.

Action-Oriented Strategy: Adoption of the Revitalization Plan

A major outcome of the summit was the unanimous adoption of the Action Plan on the Revitalization of the PSC Framework, developed by the Technical Support Committee and reviewed by Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The plan aims to breathe new life into the Framework by enforcing accountability mechanisms—such as regular reporting and a new peer-review system—to ensure that all signatory states fulfill their obligations.

Additionally, the leaders welcomed findings from an independent assessment conducted on the 10th anniversary of the PSC Framework, which helped shape the revitalization roadmap now set for implementation through 2027.

Spotlight on Regional Peacebuilding Efforts

The summit recognized and applauded several bilateral and multilateral peace initiatives:

• Uganda’s Military and Infrastructure Diplomacy: Uganda was commended for its ongoing joint military operations with the DRC against the ADF, and for its infrastructure projects with CAR, South Sudan, and DRC, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline with Tanzania—initiatives that complement the economic and security pillars of the PSC Framework.
• Sudan Crisis Response: The meeting expressed solidarity with the people of Sudan and urged international support for Sudan’s nationally-led peace roadmap, while condemning rebel atrocities and drone attacks that threaten regional humanitarian operations and Red Sea security.
• Joint EAC-SADC Mediation: The appointment of an EAC-SADC Panel of Facilitators, including two women leaders, marks a significant milestone in regional peace processes, emphasizing the integration of women’s leadership into diplomacy and conflict resolution.
• International Diplomacy: Notable breakthroughs included the Joint Declaration between the DRC and M23, signed in Kinshasa and Goma with facilitation from Qatar and the United States, and the Washington D.C. Declaration of Principles between the DRC and Rwanda.

Enhancing Inclusion and Addressing Root Causes

The High-Level Meeting also underscored the critical need to include women, youth, and civil society in peace and governance structures. The revitalized Advisory Board for Women, Peace and Security was celebrated, alongside youth-led forums held in Burundi and continental dialogues supporting the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda.

Furthermore, leaders emphasized the importance of tackling impunity and the illicit exploitation of natural resources, recognizing these as persistent root causes of conflict. Full implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration on judicial cooperation and regional sanctions against resource plundering were urged.

A Shared Regional Destiny

The Entebbe communique captured a renewed spirit of regional unity and resolve. From strengthening internal mechanisms of accountability to supporting the AU Special Envoy and the expanded roles of women mediators, the ROM signatories have laid down a transformative pathway toward peace and prosperity.

They also affirmed the inseparable link between peace and development, vowing to meet again in 2026 to assess the progress of the revitalized Framework. With Uganda leading consultations on the next ROM Chair, the torch of leadership in regional peacebuilding is being steadily passed forward.

The Entebbe High-Level Meeting was more than a diplomatic gathering—it was a reaffirmation of a regional pact forged in the face of adversity. While challenges persist, the collective commitment to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development has never been clearer. As Africa’s Great Lakes region continues to navigate turbulent waters, the PSC Framework stands tall as a beacon of collective responsibility, regional integration, and a future anchored in peace.

Rising Nation Magazine will continue to track the implementation of these historic resolutions and the evolving dynamics of regional security and cooperation.