Leaders in Africa’s Great Lakes region have signed on to a framework agreement aimed at ending two decades of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The deal calls for increased cooperation between regional governments and more support for the multi-nation force inside eastern Congo. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the agreement at a signing ceremony in Ethiopia.

Ban Ki-moon: “This signing ceremony is a significant event in itself. But it is only the beginning of a comprehensive approach that will require sustained engagement. The framework before you outlines commitments and oversight mechanisms which aim at addressing key national and regional issues.”

The DRC government and rebel groups are currently holding peace talks in neighboring Uganda.