The 11th High Level Segment of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region has kicked off in Bujumbura.

The Summit for Heads of State and Government is taking place today, 06 May 2023.

The PSC Framework, otherwise known as the Addis Ababa Agreement, was signed on 24 February 2013 through a AU/UN-brokered Framework aimed at stabilising the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

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At the time, signatories to the agreement included Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. In early 2014, Kenya and Sudan became the 12th and 13th signatories of the Framework.

The PSC Framework’s key mandate is to end recurring cycles of devastating conflict in eastern DRC which impact on stability and development in the Great Lakes region.

The framework also aims at addressing the root causes of conflict in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region.

The Summit takes place against the backdrop of the deteriorating political and security situation in the Eastern DRC caused by a resurgence of the M23 Movement that has led to tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.

The Summit will receive an update on various initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two countries.

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The Summit will deliberate on the deployment of East African Community (EAC) troops and their role in dealing with negative forces in the eastern DRC, especially the M23.

Since 2023 marks the 10th Anniversary of the PSC Framework, the Summit will focus on the revitalisation of the framework and will consider a plan to enable this.

The current crisis caused by the clashes between Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces will likely be discussed during the Summit.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry