Africa-Press – Kenya. Regional leaders have once again expressed concern over the worsened security situation in eastern DRC and the “grave” humanitarian and human rights consequences of the conflict.
They cited the large displacements of civilians, the serious increase in conflict-related sexual violence and reduced access to humanitarian services and support.
The leaders aired their concerns during the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the DRC and the region.
It was attended by leaders from Angola, Burundi, Congo, the DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, and chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
President William Ruto was represented by the Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region Charles Keter.
Keter said the meeting served as a critical platform for high-level discussions, focusing on strengthening regional stability, advancing diplomatic cooperation and reinforcing joint efforts toward lasting peace and security.
“Leaders deliberated on key strategic initiatives, reaffirming commitments to addressing security challenges and fostering sustainable development across the region,” he said.
They called for strict adherence to the commitments of the PSC Framework, particularly the commitments to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the neighbouring countries.
The commitments also call on the members to neither tolerate nor provide assistance or support of any kind to armed groups.
They should also respect the legitimate concerns and interests of the neighbouring countries, in particular regarding security matters.
Moreover, they should neither harbour nor provide protection of any kind to persons accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, acts of genocide or crimes of aggression or persons falling under the UN sanctions regime.
In this regard, attending leaders condemned the territorial advances and installation of parallel administrations by M23 with external support, an accusation that has been levelled towards Rwanda.
The leaders also condemned and called for the dismantling of foreign armed groups in DRC.
These include the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Others include the Résistance pour un État de Droit au Burundi (RED Tabara) and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (Codeco).
The situation in the eastern DRC continues to escalate, with Amnesty International on Tuesday accusing M23 rebels of committing serious abuses against civilians, “including torture, killings and enforced disappearances”, in areas under their control.
“These acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes,” Amnesty said in a statement on Tuesday.
Amnesty International East and Southern Africa regional director Tigere Chagutah said M23’s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees.
“They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them,” Chagutah said.
“Regional and international actors must pressure Rwanda to cease its support for M23.”
While regional leaders welcomed the peace efforts facilitated by Qatar and the US, they emphasised on the importance of ensuring coordination of international diplomatic efforts in support of the efforts undertaken by the AU-designated mediator and the EAC-SADC Panel of Facilitators, building on progress made under the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
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