The European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, Johan Borgstam, is visiting Uganda as part of a broader mission to the region.
The European Union views regional political processes as indispensable in addressing the escalating crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and attaches great importance to Uganda’s central role.
Borgstam will hold high-level discussions with Ugandan authorities and the diplomatic community in the aftermath to the EAC/SADC summit and the African Union Summit.
Borgstam will also engage with civil society organisations and humanitarian actors to discuss how the crisis in eastern DRC affects border districts in Uganda, including in terms of refugees influx and violent extremism.
Reflecting on his visit, Borgstam said the EU is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, aggravated by the renewed offensive of the M23.
“We strongly condemn this breach of international norms and principles. We welcome the outcome of the joint EAC/SADC summit and hope that it can lead to a rapid cessation of hostilities and to the relaunch of inclusive African-led efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” he said.
He said Uganda plays a central role in this important work.
The EU ambassador to Jan Sadek said the visit of Borgstam to Uganda highlights the EU’s dedication to peace and stability in the region.
“At a time of heightened tensions, this visit emphasizes the importance of listening to the Region. Uganda’s role in local and regional political processes brings important lessons learned to take into considerations. Our joint efforts aim to de-escalate tensions and promote long-term solutions consistent with the EU’s Great Lakes strategy, ensuring that all actions contribute constructively to regional stability,” Sadek said.
Appointed EU Special Representative since September 2024, Borgstam’s mission is to support the implementation of the renewed EU Great Lakes strategy, whose objectives include: to contribute to peace, stability and security in the Great Lakes region, by promoting de-escalation of tensions and supporting dialogue and long-term regional solutions to crisis and conflicts, in particular in Eastern DRC; and to contribute to the regional efforts to transform the root causes of insecurity and instability into shared opportunities, unlocking the region’s full potential.
