According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the 12th Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo seeks to address the structural causes of instability and armed violence in the east of the country and the Great Lakes region.

The meeting allows for the analysis of a set of shared commitments between the Democratic Republic of Congo, neighboring countries, and regional and international actors involved in peace initiatives, the statement details.

The Regional Oversight Mechanism, the Ministry recalls, is the main decision-making body of the Security and Cooperation Framework and meets annually to assess the implementation of these commitments.

The Foreign Ministry explains in the document that the 12th summit is being held in the context of the deteriorating political, humanitarian, and security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo since the beginning of 2025.

The situation has been aggravated by the resurgence and continued territorial expansion of the March 23 Movement (M23)/Congo River Alliance, with the support of “some external actors,” which has led to numerous deaths, humanitarian crises, and increased tensions in the region, the Ministry adds.

The Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to adopt an action plan that will revitalize the Security Framework established since its adoption in 2013.

Participants at the meeting in the Ugandan capital will also reflect on the current conflict in Sudan and the complex political situation in South Sudan.

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