On Wednesday, the presidents and top brass of Africa’s Great Lakes region rolled into Uganda’s State house Entebbe, with motorcades, bodyguards and bulletproof promises.
They came to “revitalize” peace in eastern Congo, denounce rebel groups, and remind each other to respect borders, something easier said than done.
But as leaders delivered carefully scripted condemnations and posed for group photos, regions peace and security observers are questioning whether this was a peace summit, or a diplomatic déjà vu.
The 12th High-Level Meeting of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework had all the hallmarks of regional diplomacy: solemn speeches, photo ops, firm handshakes, and carefully worded promises to “revitalize” peace efforts in the war-weary eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
But for ordinary citizens in Beni or Goma, where gunfire still echoes, this summit may feel like just another episode in a long-running drama titled: “Peace Talks Without Peace.”
Condemn, Call, Commend, Repeat
The 30-point communiqué reads like déjà vu. Leaders condemned the M23 rebels for taking over territory and setting up “parallel administrations,” called on foreign armed groups to disarm, and expressed concern over humanitarian disasters unfolding in DRC, Sudan, and beyond.
Yes, there was also praise: for Uganda’s military efforts against the ADF, for South Sudan’s ongoing peace process, and for regional infrastructure plans that sound great on paper.
But missing in action? New enforcement measures. No joint regional forces. No sanctions. No deadline-driven disarmament plans. Just more talk—this time with a shiny new Action Plan attached.
Diplomatic Acrobatics
In true continental fashion, the summit welcomed everyone: from the UN to the AU to the East African Community (EAC), and even SADC, who all seem to be running parallel peace processes.
The leaders thanked Qatar and the U.S. for helping broker a ceasefire declaration between DRC and M23.
Then they thanked Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé for mediating between DRC and Rwanda. Then they thanked Angola’s President João Lourenço for the Luanda Process.
By the end of the meeting, it was unclear whether the region had a unified peace process—or a peace playlist on shuffle.
Women in Peace, Finally in Focus
A rare highlight: the summit applauded efforts to include more women and youth in peacebuilding. Plans for a group of women mediators, a revitalized Women Peace and Security Advisory Board, and follow-ups from the Regional Women Forums were welcomed. At last, a breath of fresh air in a room mostly dominated by men in suits and military fatigues.
But even here, questions linger. Will these women be empowered to make real decisions—or just used as symbols for inclusive optics?
A Standing Ovation… for Hospitality
Before closing, the leaders took time to thank Uganda for the “hospitality,” the “excellent arrangements,” and of course, President Museveni’s leadership. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye also received a hearty pat on the back for chairing the ROM since 2023.
Then came the final item: the leaders agreed to meet again next year—presumably to condemn, call, and commend some more.
Meanwhile, Back in the Real World…
Outside the air-conditioned halls of diplomacy, things are far less polished. M23 still controls swathes of eastern Congo. Armed groups like ADF, FDLR, and RED Tabara are still active. Civilians are still fleeing. Humanitarian agencies are stretched thin. And attacks in Sudan are threatening the fragile corridor used for aid deliveries.
Yes, the leaders met. Yes, they spoke. But for millions affected by the region’s relentless instability, this summit felt less like a breakthrough—and more like a well-rehearsed chorus of good intentions.
Peace in the Great Lakes remains a work in progress. And for now, it seems the meetings are moving faster than the solutions.
