President Paul Kagame has noted that there is a need to keep in mind the rights, interests and aspirations of the afflicted populations, caught up in the recurring waves of violence in the DRC.
Kagame made the remarks today in Addis Ababa where he is attending the signing ceremony of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region.
In his address he noted, “we are here to pursue one objective: to see security, stability and peace emerge in DRC and our region.”
He added that the Framework Agreement is an important step and opportunity in reaffirming commitment to regional peace, “I unreservedly welcome it.”
The president explained that today’s agreement provides renewed optimism for finding a real solution;
“Pursuit of durable peace requires the collaborative engagement of the entire region and the international community. Secondly, the framework recognizes that a holistic approach that addresses the multi-faceted root causes is the only way to end instability.”
Kagame reiterated that any meaningful contribution towards lasting peace in the DRC and the Great Lakes region has to abandon the self-defeating practice of selectivity in both memory and responsibility regarding the known, longstanding causes of recurring conflict.
He said the agreement presents a valuable opportunity for all parties to build on the work started by the region and the wider continent, and focus seriously on addressing the real problems as clearly identified.
“It is crucial that the signing of this agreement not be seen as the end result of a peace process, but as a big step in the right direction.”
The event taking place at the African Union has been convened by the Chair of the African Union Commission and the Secretary General of the UN.
The agreement will be signed by DRC along with ten other countries of the region: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Namibia, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Also signing as guarantors are the Secretary-General of the UN, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Chairperson of ICGLR, and the Chairperson of SADC.
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