Museveni Hosts 12th Great Lakes Peace Summit: Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Stability

President Museveni is hosting the 12th Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region.

The high-level summit brings together Heads of State and Government from across the region in a renewed bid to chart a path toward lasting peace, stability, and development in one of Africa’s most volatile yet strategically important areas.

The PSC Framework, often referred to as a pivotal “framework of hope,” was signed in 2013 under the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Its core purpose is to address the root causes of recurring conflicts in the DRC and foster cooperation among neighbouring states.

This year’s summit comes at a critical time when security concerns remain high in eastern DRC, exacerbated by ongoing activities of armed groups, refugee displacements, and humanitarian challenges.

The gathering of leaders signals a strong regional consensus on the need for collective solutions, including enhanced political will, strengthened national institutions, and sustained international support.

President Museveni, a key regional player and long-standing advocate of Pan-Africanism, emphasised the necessity of eliminating all forms of negative forces that destabilise the region.

In his opening remarks, he called on member states to “turn the page on conflict and invest in peace dividends through integration, trade, and security cooperation.”

The summit is also expected to assess progress made since the previous meetings, evaluate the implementation of national and regional commitments, and explore new frameworks for accountability, particularly in areas related to human rights, disarmament, and inclusive governance.

UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, praised the summit as “an indispensable platform for dialogue and trust-building,” underscoring the need for the international community to maintain its engagement and provide strategic support to African-led peace efforts.

Key outcomes of the summit are anticipated to include the revitalisation of joint security mechanisms, reinvigorated peace processes in the DRC, and fresh initiatives aimed at addressing the socio-economic drivers of conflict.

The presence of multiple Heads of State further highlights the urgency and significance of the summit’s agenda. With eyes on Kampala, the region awaits decisive commitments that can break cycles of violence and build the foundation for a more secure and prosperous Great Lakes region.

As the 12th ROM Summit unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping that this congregation of leaders will move beyond words to action—and from commitments to tangible change.