ENTEBBE, Uganda— Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye on Tuesday officially handed over the rotating presidency of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the region to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
The handover occurred during the 12th summit of the oversight mechanism at Entebbe State House, with several regional leaders in attendance. President Ndayishimiye, affectionately known as “General Neva,” was commended by his peers for his two-year tenure, during which he revitalized the framework agreement through the adoption of a strategic document and an accompanying action plan.
The summit convened against the backdrop of escalating violence in eastern DRC. Since January, clashes between Congolese security forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have intensified, leading to the capture of major cities, including Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and the displacement of over 7 million people within the country, with more than 86,000 fleeing to neighbouring nations.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the M23’s offensives and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In response to the deteriorating situation, the DRC government has undertaken military restructuring, replacing top military officials to strengthen its response to the insurgency.
As the new chair of the oversight mechanism, President Museveni is expected to lead efforts to implement the action plan and enhance collaboration among member states to address the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
