On February 20, 2023, the European Union (EU) adopted its renewed Strategy for the Great Lakes, with a clearly formulated objective of tackling the root causes of insecurity and instability.

As the EU enters a new legislative cycle and as the appointment of future key decision-makers is ongoing, the members of the Europe-Central Africa Network (EurAc) and their partners, including Pax Christi International, produced a memorandum for policymakers. It aims to measures the progress made under this strategy, as well as to identify the obstacles that keep hindering stability and development in the region.

The new memorandum is based on an open letter from Pax Christi International and EurAc urging the international community to commit to lasting peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and inclusive decision-making.

The document: “Consolidating peace, stability and sustainable development: Roadmap for the Great Lakes region” is structured around three sections, each reflecting the different dimensions contributing to instability and insecurity in the region:

Section 1: The protection and promotion of human rights and good governance as pillars of EU policy in the Great Lakes region

  • Priority 1: Support and protect the work of civil society
  • Priority 2: Support democratization, especially through assistance with electoral processes
  • Priority 3: Protect the rights of the most vulnerable and/or marginalized people

Section 2: Towards lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region

  • Priority 1: Respond to the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians
  • Priority 2: De-escalate the conflict by promoting a political, peaceful and regional solution
  • Priority 3: Support regional and national efforts to tackle the root causes of instability to ensure lasting peace

Section 3: Sustainable natural resource management as a catalyst for stability and development

  • Priority 1: Combat the illegal exploitation and trade of minerals through a human rights-based approach
  • Priority 2: Make civil society a driving force for change towards more sustainable natural resource management
  • Priority 3: Support the protection of biodiversity and of the environment to better meet climate challenges

Read the full roadmap.