The PF-ICGLR delegation is in Uganda for a peace mission concerning the DRC. Led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, discussions emphasize regional leadership and local solutions. Uganda’s Speaker, Anita Among, stresses the importance of peace for stability and affirms commitment to African-led initiatives.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) is visiting Uganda to conduct a fact-finding mission regarding peace and security issues in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Led by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, the delegation aims to engage with regional leaders during their mission, including a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni.
Upon their arrival in Uganda, Speaker Anita Among welcomed the delegation on March 10, 2025, commending their dedication to promoting regional peace. She reiterated Uganda’s support for African-led initiatives to tackle continental challenges, stating, “As Africans, we have always agreed that African problems can only be solved locally.” This collaborative approach underscores the importance of collective regional efforts to foster stability in the Great Lakes Region.
Speaker Among emphasized that ensuring peace in the DRC is vital for the overall stability of the region. She stated, “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.”
Butete outlined the objectives of the PF-ICGLR’s visit, highlighting that this is part of the fourth phase addressing peace and security in the Eastern DRC. She mentioned, “Without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.”
Butete stressed the importance of African nations taking responsibility for their security matters, advocating for solutions that do not rely on external intervention. She stated, “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 findings from this delegation will be submitted to the PF-ICGLR plenary session scheduled for April, with plans for further discussion at higher levels. As Butete concludes her term as President of the forum, she emphasized the need for demonstrable progress on peace initiatives, particularly before the upcoming leadership transition to Angola. Uganda continues to play a pivotal role in promoting regional peace and advocating for self-reliant solutions to Africa’s challenges.
The PF-ICGLR delegation’s visit to Uganda highlights the region’s commitment to fostering peace in the DRC and emphasizes the necessity for African nations to lead security efforts. Uganda’s active role, as expressed by Speaker Among, reflects a dedication to local solutions for local problems. The outcomes of this mission will inform future initiatives aimed at achieving stability and development in the Greater Lakes Region, with a focus on collaboration among African states.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
