As insecurity continues to plague the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to protracted conflicts, a special summit bringing together senior leaders and envoys from countries in the Great Lakes region was held on Sunday, December 22, 2025, in Entebbe, Uganda. The meeting aimed to jointly seek a lasting solution to the long-standing security crisis affecting the region.
The summit took place at State House in Entebbe and was chaired by Uganda’s President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose country hosted the meeting and plays a visible role in security and diplomatic efforts in eastern DRC. It was attended by representatives of various regional countries, including ministers responsible for foreign affairs, security, and regional integration.
Rwanda was represented by the Minister of Local Government, Dr. Vincent Biruta, while the Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by the Minister in charge of Regional Integration, Floribert Anzuluni. This participation showed that despite ongoing tensions and strained relations between Kigali and Kinshasa, both sides continue to engage in dialogue as a pathway toward peaceful solutions.
In his opening remarks, President Museveni reflected on the history of the Great Lakes region, noting that decades of conflict and insecurity have severely undermined the development and well-being of local populations. He urged regional countries to abandon the politics of blame and instead invest in deep, constructive dialogue based on the shared interests of their citizens.
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Museveni said he was encouraged by the discussions held during the special summit and emphasized that there was clear political will among participating countries to work together. He stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military means alone, but must be built on mutual understanding, respect, and addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The summit was held at a time when the security situation continued to deteriorate in South Kivu Province, particularly following a statement by AFC/M23 announcing its withdrawal from the town of Uvira, a strategic city located near the border with Burundi.
The governments of the DRC and Burundi have continued to accuse AFC/M23, as well as Rwanda, of involvement in destabilizing eastern Congo. Rwanda, however, has consistently rejected these allegations, maintaining that it does not support any armed group fighting the Congolese government and that it favors political dialogue and peaceful solutions.
Uganda, as a country with significant security interests in the DRC, has maintained a prominent role through its joint military operation, Operation Shujaa, launched in November 2021 in cooperation with the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC). The operation targets the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group designated as terrorist and affiliated with the so-called Islamic State. These efforts have made Uganda a key actor in developments in Ituri Province and North Kivu.
Beyond military operations, Uganda has also initiated major infrastructure projects, particularly road construction linking Uganda to North Kivu and Ituri provinces, aimed at boosting trade and economic development. As a result, Kampala continues to closely monitor security and development in the area, given their close connection to Uganda’s long-term strategic interests.
Regional analysts note that the Entebbe summit could represent an important step toward reviving regional dialogue mechanisms that had struggled to deliver tangible results in recent years. They argue that the continued willingness of countries to meet, despite persistent tensions, is a sign that military confrontation is no longer seen as a sustainable solution to the region’s complex security challenges.
