A strategic framework for the Great Lakes region

Conflict in the Great Lakes region, centred on the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has persisted over the past twenty years because of a failure to tackle the root causes of the problem. Weak governance, absence of security and an inability to ensure the rule of law in a large part of the region, combined with poverty and lack of services and infrastructure, has deepened social divisions. Armed groups cause chaos, further exacerbating the region's problems by preventing human, social and economic development.

To remedy the situation action is needed in five crucial areas:
a) to support states in the region to become more efficient, accountable and capable of delivering basic services and reliable physical, judicial and administrative security throughout the country, if desired through a devolved political structure;
b) to ensure security in Eastern DRC and rebuild trust among the communities there;
c) to rebuild the economy of the region to enable the people to benefit from their mineral riches, from the opportunities of a more integrated regional market, and from better access to global markets;
d) to build cooperation and trust between the countries of the region and establish mechanisms to enable that cooperation to be effective;
e) to ensure the international community’s engagement in encouraging countries and other actors in the region to fulfil their undertakings and act responsibly both internally and towards their neighbours.

This strategic framework is designed to ensure that the EU’s objectives of security and development, including conflict prevention and peace-building, are met in a mutually reinforcing and comprehensive way. It has no budgetary impact as such. Working with other members of the International Community, the EU will discuss the strategy with countries and organizations in the region, identify priorities, and prepare a timetable for the implementation of actions, including milestones to measure progress.