The PF-ICGLR delegation, led by Zambia’s Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, visited Uganda to promote peace and security in the Eastern DRC. Speaker Anita Among welcomed the initiative, emphasizing African-led solutions to regional issues. The visit aims to foster discussions on peace, with findings to be presented in April before leadership transitions.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) visited Uganda for a fact-finding mission regarding peace and security in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The delegation, led by Zambia’s National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, is scheduled to meet with President Yoweri Museveni to discuss regional peace initiatives.
Upon the delegation’s arrival, Speaker Anita Among expressed appreciation for their commitment to regional peace and reiterated Uganda’s dedication to African-led solutions for continental issues. She stated, “As Africans, we have always agreed that African problems can only be solved locally,” and commended the delegation’s initiatives to engage various heads of state.
Among emphasized that achieving peace in the DRC is vital for stability in the Great Lakes Region, explaining that solutions must emerge from African leaders. She said, “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.”
Butete highlighted the objectives of the visit, marking it as the fourth phase addressing peace and security in Eastern DRC. She stated, “Without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.”
She also stressed the importance of African nations managing their security concerns independently, advocating for avoiding external intervention. Butete remarked, “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 delegation’s findings will be presented to the PF-ICGLR plenary in April for further discussions. As Butete concludes her term as president, she emphasized the importance of clear progress in peace initiatives before Angola assumes leadership. Uganda continues to play a crucial role in promoting regional peace and security through home-grown solutions.
The PF-ICGLR delegation’s visit to Uganda underscores the commitment to fostering peace in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region. With a strong emphasis on local solutions to regional conflicts, the belligerent nations are urged to take charge of their security concerns. The outcomes of this mission will inform future discussions, highlighting Uganda’s integral role in advancing stability across Africa.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
