South Sudan’s Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, on Wednesday made his first official regional trip representing President Salva Kiir Mayardit, joining leaders in Kampala to discuss peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) for the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework aims to address escalating violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have intensified attacks.
The summit also seeks to counter broader instability in the Great Lakes region, including spillover effects from Sudan’s civil war and South Sudan’s fragile political transition.
President Kiir delegated Bol Mel to the summit, reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to regional stability as a basis for economic growth.
PSC Framework and Regional Crisis
The PSC Framework, signed in 2013, is a regional pact to promote peace in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes. It outlines commitments for the DRC, neighboring states, and international actors—focusing on security reforms, governance, and conflict drivers like illegal mining, ethnic tensions, and foreign interference.
The ROM, the framework’s decision-making body, meets annually. This year’s summit is critical as leaders draft an action plan to revive the PSC amid worsening humanitarian and security crises in eastern DRC.
Bol Mel’s Mandate
Before departing, Bol Mel’s press secretary, Oyiti Ajawin, told media the vice president’s attendance highlights South Sudan’s role in regional security efforts.
“H.E. the president has entrusted Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to ensure South Sudan’s representation is clear and effective,” Ajawin said.
Bol Mel will also hold sideline talks with African leaders to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Last week, Kiir appointed Bol Mel as First Deputy Chairman of the ruling SPLM party, replacing longtime ally James Wani Igga, who was removed as vice president in February.
Kiir, 73, has elevated Bol Mel—a newcomer to high-level politics—sparking speculation he is being groomed as a potential successor. Bol Mel has quickly become one of the government’s most powerful figures.