Quadripartite Summit Demands Peace for the DRC.
The Quadripartite Summit held in Luanda, which also had the participation of the United Nations (ONU), expressed concern about the prevailing insecurity and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and demands the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of all armed groups operating in the East of this African country, with emphasis on the M-23.
The meeting was attended by Heads of State and Government of the regions that make up the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), East African communities (CAO), Economics of Central African States (ECCAS) and for the Development of Southern Africa (SADC).
Humanitarian Crisis in the DRC
The summit highlighted concerns about the insecurity situation and the humanitarian crisis faced by the DRC due to the actions of armed groups in the region. In view of this scenario, an appeal was made for the creation of humanitarian corridors to facilitate assistance to the victims of this conflict.
The international community recognizes the urgency of addressing humanitarian challenges and ensuring the protection of affected civilians. One of the objectives of the summit is the restoration of state authority in the occupied areas of eastern DRC, with a view to creating a favorable environment for the return of refugees and internally displaced people.
In this regard, a joint framework was adopted for the coordination of peace initiatives in the East of the DRC, involving the CIRGL, the East African communities, Economic of Central African States, SADC and the United Nations (UN).
The aim is to harmonize efforts and timetables in accordance with the agreed instruments and decisions, with a view to stabilizing the region and establishing conditions conducive to peace.
regional cooperation
The summit highlighted the importance of cooperation between the organizations involved and underscored the efforts of CIRGL, EAC, ECCAS and SADC in recognizing the need for a harmonized and coordinated approach, led by the African Union, to address security threats in the Great Lakes Region .
In this regard, the summit encouraged these organizations to strengthen cooperation and collective security efforts. It was recognized that a unified approach is essential to address the challenges that the region still faces in order to build a lasting and sustainable peace.
The Quadripartite Summit
The Quadripartite Summit in Luanda represented an important milestone in the joint effort to achieve peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region, in particular in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Heads of State present reaffirmed their commitment to restore State authority in conflict-affected areas and to work together to address threats to regional security.
Through cooperation between the organizations involved, such as CIRGL, CAO, ECCAS, SADC and the UN, a harmonized and coordinated approach is sought to deal with the challenges that still persist in the region. Improved coordination and implementation of the ceasefire, as well as the withdrawal of the M23 armed group from the occupied territories in the DRC, are measures discussed during the summit that seek to promote lasting and sustainable peace.
It is critical that countries and organizations continue from this moment forward, working together to implement the agreed decisions and monitor the progress made. Peace in the DRC cannot be achieved in isolation, but requires joint and committed efforts to overcome challenges and build a better future for affected communities.
The Quadripartite Summit in Luanda represents hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Great Lakes Region, where respect for human rights, political stability and economic development can prevail.
The Summit Participants
In addition to João Lourenço, the quadripartite meeting was attended by the President of the Union of the Comoros and acting member of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, the Head of State of Zimbabwe and acting President of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the President of Gabon and acting president of ECCAS, Ali Bongo.
Also present were the President of Burundi and the East African Community (EAC), Evarist Ndayishimiye, the Head of State of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the acting President of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Félix Tshisekedi, the former President of Kenya and CAO Designated Facilitator Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta.
The summit also included the Vice-President of Namibia, Nangolo Mbumba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Vincent Biruta, the President of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahammat, Ambassador Parfait Onanga, representative of the UN Secretary-General , as well as the president of the ECCAS Commission, and the executive secretaries of CIRGL, SADC and CAO.
Next Steps
The Luanda Quadripartite Summit is the result of the deliberations of the XI extraordinary summit of Heads of State of the CIRGL, held in Luanda at the beginning of this month. Among the measures discussed, the improvement of the coordination and implementation of the ceasefire stands out, in addition to the withdrawal of the M23 from the occupied territories in the DRC.
The next steps after the summit involve implementing the agreed decisions and monitoring progress made. It is essential that the organizations and countries involved work together and in a committed manner to promote peace, stability and development in the DRC.
The next meeting will be held in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Conclusion
The Quadripartite Summit in Luanda was a milestone in the search for peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region, especially in the DRC. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to restoring state authority and addressing security threats.
With cooperation between organizations such as CIRGL, CAO, ECCAS, SADC and UN, a coordinated approach is sought to solve the challenges. It is crucial that countries and organizations work together to implement decisions and monitor progress, building a peaceful and prosperous future based on human rights, political stability and economic development.
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Picture: © 2023 CIPR
