A high-level discourse on “Advancing Inclusive Humanitarian Action in the Great Lakes Region: Leaving No One Behind” is currently underway in Kampala, hosted by the French Embassy in Uganda. The dialogue builds on momentum from the Paris Conference in Support of Peace and Prosperity in the Great Lakes Region, convened on October 30th, which brought together more than 70 international delegations.
Leading the discussion is French Ambassador to Uganda Virginie Leroy who says in a few days, France will announce a package of financial assistance to the Great Lakes region.
She says Uganda, DR Congo and Burundi, have been earmarked for support. Uganda hosts the largest number of refugees in Africa.
Today’s engagement brings humanitarian actors, diplomats, government officials, civil society, and development partners to reflect on how to strengthen inclusive, people-centred responses in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
Building on the Paris Commitments
The Paris Conference sought to rally global support for communities affected by the worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where millions face displacement, hunger, and persistent insecurity. It also underscored the need for a unified regional approach to peace, economic integration, and the protection of civilians.
The Kampala discourse serves as a follow-up forum, translating these commitments into actionable strategies tailored to the Great Lakes region’s needs.
Key Priorities Under Discussion
1. Humanitarian Aid
Delegates are examining ways to scale up international support for the crisis in eastern DRC, where intensified conflict has pushed displacement and food insecurity to alarming levels. Discussions focus on ensuring that the most vulnerable — including women, children, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities — are not left behind.
2. Peace and Stability
Speakers are emphasizing collective backing for ongoing mediation efforts led by the African Union, the United States, Qatar, and Angola. The aim is to reinforce political dialogue, ease tensions, and lay foundations for sustainable peace across the region.
3. Economic Integration
Participants note that long-term stability in the Great Lakes region hinges on deeper economic cooperation. Enhanced cross-border trade, infrastructure connectivity, and market access are being highlighted as key drivers for prosperity and resilience.
4. Inclusive Participation
In line with the Paris outcomes, the discourse underscores the need to involve a wide range of actors — from regional bodies and NGOs to grassroots civil society groups — to ensure policies reflect realities on the ground.
A Call for Coordinated International Support
By convening humanitarian and diplomatic stakeholders, the French Embassy aims to strengthen joint action, promote inclusive decision-making, and align international support with regional priorities.
As crises in the Great Lakes continue to evolve, today’s dialogue reaffirms the commitment of partners to ensuring that humanitarian response and peacebuilding efforts remain inclusive, sustainable, and responsive — leaving no one behind.
