International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola arrived in Kampala, in Uganda, on Tuesday, to participate in the twelfth High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The High-Level Meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, where the ROM is expected to adopt an Action Plan to revitalise the PSC Framework since its formal adoption and signing in 2013.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) noted that the ROM is the primary decision-making body of the PSC Framework and meets every year to take stock of the implementation of commitments.

The meeting takes place against the backdrop of the deteriorating political, humanitarian and security situation in the eastern DRC.

“The situation has been compounded by the resurgence and continuing territorial acquisition and expansion by the March 23 Movement (M23)/Congo River Alliance supported by some external actors that has led to many deaths, humanitarian crises and heightened tensions within the region,” Dirco said.

The meeting will also reflect on the current deadly conflict in Sudan and the political situation in South Sudan.

The PSC Framework aims to address the structural causes of instability and recurring cycles of conflict in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region and it outlines a set of commitments divided between the DRC, neighbouring countries and regional and international actors.