By UG Diplomat Reporter
The International Contact Group on the Great Lakes Region has welcomed the recent diplomatic breakthrough between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, following the signing of a Declaration of Principles in Washington D.C. on April 25, 2025.
Delivering a formal address on behalf of the Contact Group, EU Special Representative Johan Borgstam lauded Qatar and recognized the momentum achieved through the mediation efforts led by the United States.
The Declaration of Principles marks an important step toward restoring trust and reducing tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, whose relations have been severely strained by accusations of cross-border incursions and support for armed groups.
Speaking on behalf of the Contact Group during a high-level meeting in Entebbe, representatives reiterated their support for a coordinated diplomatic approach that will ultimately lead to the revitalization and implementation of the 2013 Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework—an African Union-backed regional accord intended to bring lasting peace to the Great Lakes region.
“The litmus test for our diplomatic endeavours must be the situation on the ground,” the statement read. “Without a ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign troops violating territorial integrity, statements will remain lip-service.”
The group stressed the urgent need for unfettered humanitarian access and called on all actors to respect international humanitarian law. They urged all parties to implement an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and demanded that all armed groups, particularly those backed by external forces, disarm and engage in dialogue aimed at ending the ongoing violence.
The Group extended its best wishes to Uganda and President Yoweri Museveni, who will assume the chairmanship of the PSC Framework in the coming months. Museveni is expected to play a pivotal role in steering regional peace processes at a time of heightened instability and growing international concern over human rights abuses and displacement in eastern Congo.
The group also paid tribute to outgoing PSC Framework Chair, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, for his efforts in facilitating dialogue during his tenure.
