ENTEBBE, UGANDA: February 03, 2026– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today hosted a high-level panel of African facilitators at State House, Entebbe, as part of a renewed diplomatic push to end the decades-long conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The visiting delegation, representing a joint initiative by the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC), is chaired by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The panel features a “who’s who” of African elder statesmen, including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), and Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic).
“A Shame It Is Taking So Long”
During the meeting, President Museveni expressed frustration over the slow progress in resolving the crisis, describing the persistence of the conflict as “a shame”. He emphasized that the root causes are well-understood within the region and centered on “mismanaged diversity” rather than existential threats like secession.
”This problem is very well known to us,” Museveni said, noting that Uganda currently hosts over 500,000 Congolese refugees—part of a total refugee population of nearly two million. He highlighted the deep ethnic and cultural ties between the people of Eastern DRC and Western Uganda, stressing that the conflict’s humanitarian impact is felt directly across the border.
African Solutions for African Problems
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking for the facilitators, underscored a firm commitment to “African solutions for African problems”. While welcoming complementary support from international partners like Washington, Paris, or Qatar, Obasanjo warned that “imported” solutions cannot provide a lasting fix.
”This crisis is not only about the M23,” Obasanjo stated. “There are many grievances that have not been adequately addressed. We must diagnose the problem properly to administer the right medicine”.
The panel praised President Museveni’s long-standing role in regional mediation, with President Gnassingbé noting that the delegation values his “experience and guidance” in navigating the complex Great Lakes security landscape.
A Unified Front
The meeting signals a significant consolidation of regional peace efforts. The facilitators are working toward a unified African-led response, supported by a newly established joint headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The Entebbe talks were attended by senior Ugandan officials, including former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
As the working visit continues, the panel aims to strengthen collective regional efforts and advance a dialogue that addresses the underlying grievances driving instability in the Eastern DRC.
