African Leaders Push for Regional Ownership of Peace Efforts in Eastern DR Congo

December 22, 2025 Weere Timothy

Entebbe, Uganda African leaders meeting in Entebbe Sunday 21.December 2025 have called for a renewed, regionally driven approach to ending the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing African ownership of peace processes amid escalating violence.

The high-level meeting brought together representatives from the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union, amid renewed clashes involving armed groups in North and South Kivu provinces. Delegates agreed that while international partners remain important, regional institutions must take the lead in mediation, security coordination, and humanitarian access.

Ugandan officials hosting the summit highlighted the direct impact of the conflict on neighboring countries, including refugee flows, cross-border insecurity, and disrupted trade routes. Participants also called for improved coordination between regional military missions and diplomatic tracks that have, in the past, operated in parallel with limited success.

Despite multiple ceasefire attempts, eastern DRC remains volatile, with civilians bearing the brunt of violence, displacement, and food insecurity. Leaders at the summit urged all armed actors to recommit to dialogue and warned that continued instability threatens the wider Great Lakes region.

Why It Matters

The eastern DRC conflict is one of Africa’s most protracted crises, with regional consequences that directly affect Uganda and its neighbors. A coordinated African-led approach could strengthen legitimacy, reduce external dependency, and improve accountability in peace enforcement.