Museveni Takes Charge of Great Lakes Peace Initiative, Calls for Unity and Minimal Foreign Interference
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially assumed leadership of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) for the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the broader Great Lakes Region. The transition took place during the 12th high-level ROM summit held at State House Entebbe on May 29, 2025.
Museveni took over from President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, who formally handed him the instruments of power, entrusting Uganda’s leader with steering the peace process for the next two years.
Museveni: “We Know the Problem—It Can Be Solved”
In his keynote remarks, President Museveni stressed that lasting peace in the region requires internal political will, not heavy reliance on foreign actors.
“The real issue is not complexity—it’s a matter of will. Foreign interference often fuels conflict rather than resolves it,” Museveni stated.
He emphasized the need for homegrown solutions, stating that external powers have historically emboldened rebel groups and obstructed efforts to resolve internal disputes, particularly in Eastern Congo.
Museveni also reflected on past conflicts, noting how figures like Mobutu Sese Seko and Juvenal Habyarimana ignored regional advice due to overdependence on foreign support.
“We knew the problems. We were willing to help. But Mobutu wouldn’t listen—because he thought foreign backers mattered more than regional solidarity,” Museveni said.
A Framework Rooted in Regional Commitment
The PSC Framework, established in 2013, is backed by the United Nations, African Union, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and SADC. It aims to address the root causes of persistent insecurity in eastern DRC through collective responsibility and mutual accountability among signatory nations.
The summit was attended by heads of state and representatives from Uganda, Angola, Burundi, Republic of Congo, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. Observers included officials from UN, AU, and ICGLR.
Ndayishimiye Offers Support, Museveni Outlines Strategy
Outgoing ROM Chair President Ndayishimiye congratulated Museveni and pledged full support during his tenure. Museveni thanked him for his leadership and reiterated the need to focus on correcting philosophical, ideological, and strategic errors that have long hindered peace in the region.
“These problems are not difficult. What’s difficult are the persistent mistakes in how we think and act,” Museveni said.
His leadership is expected to prioritize regional dialogue, security cooperation, and limiting foreign political manipulation, as the region works to stabilize eastern DRC and reinforce long-term peace across the Great Lakes.
