Regional leaders and international envoys have renewed urgent appeals for the cessation of armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as the humanitarian and security situation continue to deteriorate. The call was issued at the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework, convened Wednesday in Entebbe, Uganda.
In a joint communique released at the summit’s conclusion, heads of state and high-ranking officials demanded that all armed groups operating in eastern DRC halt hostilities unconditionally. They also called on foreign fighters to disarm voluntarily and prepare for repatriation, framing disarmament as essential to restoring peace in the region.
M23 Rebel Group and External Backing Denounced
The summit singled out the March 23 Movement (M23), condemning the rebel group’s territorial occupation and the establishment of unauthorized administrations in eastern DRC. Such actions, the communique warned, represent a serious violation of Congolese sovereignty and fuel broader regional instability.
Leaders further criticized external actors accused of supporting the group, though the statement refrained from naming specific countries. The communique reaffirmed that no signatory of the PSC Framework should offer material or political support to groups or individuals implicated in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or acts of genocide.
Respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of neighboring states, the leaders stated, remains a cornerstone of the framework’s intent.
Ugandan Host Calls for Regional Ownership of Peace Process
Hosting the summit at State House Entebbe, roughly 40 kilometers from Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni stressed the need for regional solutions to regional problems. He criticized what he described as overreliance on external military interventions, which, he argued, have marginalized local voices and failed to resolve the core drivers of the conflict.
Museveni called for greater engagement from regional actors and reaffirmed that Congolese leadership must be central to any lasting peace effort.
UN Warns of Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
In a message delivered by his special envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Xia Huang, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over worsening conditions in conflict zones across eastern DRC. He cited serious human rights abuses in rebel-held areas including Goma and Bukavu, urging immediate access for humanitarian organizations.
Guterres emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire, warning that continued inaction could deepen the humanitarian emergency and provoke further instability.
African Union Pushes for Coordinated Regional Strategy
Sghair Said, the African Union’s High Representative for the Great Lakes Region, echoed calls for unity and urged leaders to align their national and regional efforts. He emphasized that existing peace initiatives by the AU, regional blocs, and international partners must be brought under a coordinated framework to be effective.
“Declarations alone are no longer enough,” Said noted. “Sustainable peace demands consistent engagement, regional solidarity, and mutual accountability.”
Summit Concludes with Renewed Pledge to Act
As the meeting concluded, delegates pledged to step up diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to address the crisis in eastern DRC. The communique reaffirmed commitments to civilian protection, disarmament, and regional cooperation, warning that peace cannot wait.
The message from Entebbe was resolute: a solution to the DRC conflict lies in strengthened regional unity, an end to external interference, and accountability for those perpetuating violence.