{Minister Louise Mushikiwabo Thursday represented President Kagame at the second mini-summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Angola’s capital, Luanda hosted by Angolan President and current chairman of ICGLR, José Eduardo dos Santos.}
The committee of the ICGLR brings together Heads of State and representatives from six of the 12 ICGLR member states. The second mini summit considered the progress made on the security situation in Eastern DRC, particularly the eradication of negative forces in the region.
Speaking to the press, Minister Mushikiwabo warned against further delays in taking action against FDLR:
“Rwanda considers the deadline for action against FDLR long passed and warns against the delaying tactics and diversions.”
The Heads of State meeting was preceded by the ICGLR restricted Committee of Ministers of Defence and Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff held on 12 and 13 August that recommended urgent military action to neutralise FDLR.
Based on those recommendations, the Heads of State and Government Summit made the following decisions:
• Mid-term review to take place in October 2014 to assess the progress with the surrender process. Military operations will be initiated if assessment is not satisfactory.
• DRC Government to provide a road map by October 2014 for the repatriation process, in the spirit of the Nairobi Declaration, of ex-M23 elements from Uganda and Rwanda where they remain a burden for the two countries
The summit was also attended by Presidents Kabila and Museveni. President Zuma of South Africa attended as a special guest.
Main points agreed during last Heads of State and Government ICGLR meeting in March 2014
• Continued repatriation of those willing to disarm and return voluntarily.
• Commended the Government of DRC and MONUSCO for the efforts and success achieved so far towards eradication of negative forces especially ADF; and encouraged her to undertake and pursue similar actions against the FDLR.
• Called on MONUSCO and FARDC to engage urgently in military actions against members of negative forces who are unwilling to disarm.
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