Uganda Hosts PF-ICGLR Delegation to Promote Peace in the DRC

The PF-ICGLR delegation, led by Zambia’s Speaker Nelly Mutti Butete, is in Uganda for a fact-finding mission on peace and security in the DRC. Speaker Anita Among expressed Uganda’s commitment to African-led solutions and emphasized that regional stability depends on local leadership. The delegation’s findings will be presented in April, underscoring the need for effective conflict resolution without external intervention. Uganda remains a key advocate for addressing Africa’s challenges.

A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) is currently in Uganda, engaged in a fact-finding mission focusing on peace and security within the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This delegation is led by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and PF-ICGLR President, Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete. They are scheduled to meet with President Yoweri Museveni during this visit.

Upon welcoming the delegation, Speaker Anita Among expressed gratitude for their dedication to regional peace. She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to African-led solutions in addressing the continent’s challenges, stating, “As Africans, we have always agreed that African problems can only be solved locally. This pursuit that you are doing, moving from one country to another, meeting heads of state to find the best way to achieve peace, is a very good initiative and I applaud you and your team for that.”

Among highlighted the critical nature of peace in the DRC for ensuring stability throughout the Great Lakes Region. She emphasized that local engagement is crucial for conflict resolution: “Problem-solving is why they are here. We want to see how best peace can be created in the DRC and that peace can only be achieved with our heads of state and with us as Africans. It begins with us.”

She further noted Uganda’s active role in the forum, confirming the country’s commitment to its financial responsibilities within the initiative. Butete articulated the delegation’s objectives, emphasizing the necessity of regional leadership in conflict resolution, stating that peace is essential for development as “without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper.”

Additionally, Butete called for African nations to assume responsibility for their security, cautioning against external intervention in domestic affairs: “We don’t want to invite strangers to come and intervene in our affairs when we have responsible leaders in our presence who can take charge and guide citizens to ensure peace and stability in the region.”

The insights gathered by the delegation will be presented to the PF-ICGLR plenary in April, which will then escalate discussions to higher levels. As Butete nears the conclusion of her term as forum president, she emphasizes the need for significant progress before the leadership transition to Angola.

In conclusion, the ongoing visit by the PF-ICGLR delegation to Uganda signifies a vital step towards promoting peace and security in the Eastern DRC, with a strong emphasis on African-led initiatives. Through cooperation and dialogue among regional leaders, the delegation seeks to forge sustainable solutions to the lingering challenges in the DRC while asserting the importance of local governance in regional security matters. Uganda’s active engagement in these discussions highlights its role as a pivotal player in advocating for home-grown solutions to peace and stability in Africa.

Original Source: www.zawya.com