Your Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chairperson of the PSC Framework,
Your Excellencies, Signatory Countries of the PSC Framework,
Your Excellencies, Representatives of Guarantors Institutions,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, first let me bring you an apology of your brother who couldn’t make it, allow me to begin by congratulating his Excellency, President Museveni, for assuming the role of the Chairperson of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the PSC Framework, we also recognise your great role as the champion of Pan-Africanism and non-alignment. We also commend the outgoing Chairperson, President Ndayishimiye, for the exemplary stewardship of the ROM during his tenure.

Your Excellencies,

Africa Day has just passed a day not merely to commemorate, but to reckon with the fractures in our continent.

It is unfortunate that the eastern DRC continues to experience periodic and persistent violence by armed groups, both Congolese and foreign. This is despite the existence of the PSC Framework that was created primarily to deal with the scourge of armed groups.

The current security situation in the eastern DRC requires immediate action, as it has created a growing security and humanitarian crisis with the potential to spill over to neighbouring countries.

It is for this reason that South Africa reaffirms its support for the full implementation of the decisions of the AU Peace and Security Council Summit held on 14 February 2025 and of UN Security Council resolution 2773 with the overarching goal of the restoration of peace and security in eastern DRC and by extension the region.

However, lasting peace depends on avoiding the recurrence of cyclical violence and the proliferation of armed groups by addressing in a comprehensive and inclusive manner the genesis of the conflict.

We are thus encouraged by inclusive regional and international peace initiatives aimed at bringing together the conflicting parties for political engagements. We trust that these efforts will yield desired and positive outcomes.

Excellencies,

As we look in retrospect, since the adoption of the PSC framework, there have been successes, setbacks and challenges that continue to this day.

Critical to the Framework is the political will of all parties to the Framework to renew their commitments for its full and effective implementation. Hence, South Africa supports the adoption of the draft Action Plan on the revitalisation of the PSC Framework.

The revitalisation of the Framework provides an opportunity to respond to the current evolving challenges. In order to maximise the success of the Framework, there is a need to address the root causes of conflict and its drivers, as well as to deepen and consolidate democracy and to promote good governance.

Excellencies,

We remain concerned by the ongoing conflict in the Sudan and its devasting impact on civilians and critical infrastructure. We appeal to all parties to the conflict to rise above their differences and end the fighting through dialogue.

Most importantly, it remains imperative that the Sudanese authorities swiftly work towards the restoration of a civilian-led government. We would like to see the Sudan return to its rightful place at the African Union through this undertaking.

We also trust that the South Sudanese leaders will rise above their differences and resolve their disputes through dialogue. As the youngest state in the world, South Sudan must demonstrate its ability to cultivate a culture of peace and unity.

Excellencies,

We have now learnt the consequences of failing to fully implement the provisions of the PSC Framework.

Let us take with the lessons from the first decade of the PSC Framework as we have entered the second decade and ensure that we silence the guns in eastern DRC and the region. We are not a continent of beggars; we are a continent of builders. Let this gathering be our continents catalyst: No more shackles, internal or external. No more auctions of our dignity. Forward, together, forward as one.

I thank you

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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