March 29, 2023 | In 2013, the African Union (AU) signed the Agreement on Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo, also referred to as the Framework Agreement and the region as a guarantor, and as part of the continental efforts to find a durable solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC. The Framework Agreement acknowledges the efforts by the neighbouring countries, and provides for responsibilities for the signatories, guarantors and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to ensure its implementation.

The situation in eastern DRC remains dire due to a combination of factors, including the resumption of the M23 and the heinous activities of armed and terrorist groups, coupled with the deterioration of diplomatic relations between the DRC and Rwanda. In an attempt to address these challenges, the AU, in May 2022, during its 16th Extra-Ordinary Summit, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, appointed H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of the Republic of Angola, then Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) as the AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation, to engage Rwanda and the DRC, with a view to de-escalating the growing tension between the two countries. In addition, the East African Community (EAC) decided to deploy a Regional Force (EAC-RF) to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC. While welcoming these efforts, the PSC, at its 1140th meeting held on 17 February 2023, at the Heads of State and Government Level, requested for the harmonization of peace processes in DRC and the revitalization of the Framework Agreement, in order to encompass all peace efforts.

The PSC tasked the AU Commission to coordinate with all guarantors of the Framework Agreement, namely the AU, ICGLR, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and AFRICAN UNION, the United Nations (UN), as well the EAC and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to work together on the revitalizing the Framework Agreement and also to harmonize the Luanda and Nairobi Processes. The main objective was to ensure the efforts on the ground are well coordinated, and more effectively supporting the efforts of the DRC in resolving the security challenges in the eastern part of the country.

SRSG to the AU and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga joined AU Commissioner PAPS, Bankole Adeoye at the meeting with CEOs of EAC, ECCAS, SADC, ICGLR and AUPSC Troika representatives to explore ways and means of revitalising and adapting the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region signed in February 2013 to the contemporary realities on the ground. He reaffirmed the importance of building trust and confidence among the PSCF signatory countries and encouraged increased ownership and accountability to enhance implementation of the commitments made.