Uganda Hosts PF-ICGLR Delegation in Efforts to Promote Peace in DRC
The PF-ICGLR delegation in Uganda is on a mission to enhance peace in the DRC, emphasizing African-led solutions and regional leadership’s role in security. Speaker Among praised their efforts, noting that DRC stability is crucial for the Great Lakes Region. The delegation’s recommendations will be presented at the April plenary, ahead of leadership transition to Angola.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) is currently conducting a fact-finding mission in Uganda to address peace and security issues in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This group is led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and President of PF-ICGLR, and includes a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni.
Upon the delegation’s arrival, Speaker Anita Among welcomed them, highlighting Uganda’s dedication to regional peace and support for African-led solutions to regional issues. She emphasized the importance of addressing African problems locally, commending the delegation’s initiative to engage with various heads of state for peace negotiations.
Speaker Among reiterated that peace in the DRC is vital for the stability of the Great Lakes Region. She noted that the delegation’s presence is crucial in identifying ways to foster peace, asserting that the responsibility lies with African leaders to initiate this change.
Butete provided insights into the mission’s objectives, underscoring the necessity of regional leadership for conflict resolution. She stated, “…without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.”
She expressed a desire for African nations to lead their security interests independently, avoiding reliance on external entities. Butete remarked, “We don’t want to invite strangers to come and intervene in our affairs when we have responsible leaders…” She stressed the forum’s findings will be reviewed at the PF-ICGLR plenary in April, suggesting a commitment to progress before transitioning leadership to Angola.
Uganda continues to play a pivotal role in regional peacekeeping efforts, advocating for solutions that originate from within the continent to resolve Africa’s challenges.
The delegation from PF-ICGLR is focused on enhancing peace and security in the Eastern DRC through engaging regional leaders, with strong support from Uganda. Speakers highlighted the significance of local solutions to regional conflicts, stressing the importance of African leadership in fostering stability. As the forum prepares to transition leadership, it aims to deliver tangible progress in addressing the challenges faced in the Great Lakes Region.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
