The African Great Lakes region has experienced recurring cycles of violence and instability since the 1960s. These conflicts, often rooted in identity manipulation, historical grievances, exclusion from governance, and competition over natural resources, have had devastating humanitarian consequences, with millions of lives lost and widespread displacement. Interpeace is currently active in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda.

The conflict dynamics in the region are deeply interconnected. Domestic tensions often spill across borders, reinforcing a complex regional conflict system. This includes the persistent presence of armed groups in eastern DRC, fragile diplomatic relations between neighbouring States, and significant humanitarian challenges due to forced displacements. The unresolved legacies of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, inter-ethnic tensions in Burundi, weak governance in parts of the DRC, and shrinking civic space in Uganda continue to affect peacebuilding efforts. Youth and women, despite being central to community resilience, remain largely excluded from formal peace and decision-making processes.

In 2013, Interpeace and its local partners consulted the Great Lakes populations on the strategic focus a regional programme should have. The consultations revealed a strong demand for cross-border dialogue among communities along the shared borders, as well as between those communities and policymakers. Recent escalations, such as the resurgence of the M23 movement in eastern DRC, have further strained community resilience and underscored the urgent need for inclusive, cross-border peace initiatives that centre on local voices, especially those of young people and marginalised communities.