The PF-ICGLR delegation is in Uganda to promote peace in the DRC, focusing on regional leadership in conflict resolution. Speaker Anita Among expressed Uganda’s commitment to African-led solutions, while Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete outlined the mission’s objectives. The findings will inform future discussions, highlighting the importance of local solutions for security and stability.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) is currently in Uganda for a fact-finding mission concerning peace and security in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The delegation, led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and President of PF-ICGLR, is scheduled to meet with President Yoweri Museveni.
During a welcome address on March 10, 2025, in Parliament, Speaker Anita Among commended the delegation for their commitment to fostering regional peace. She reaffirmed Uganda’s support for African-led solutions to tackle challenges on the continent. Among stated, “As Africans, we have always agreed that African problems can only be solved locally.”
Furthermore, Among reiterated the importance of peace in the DRC for the overall stability of the Great Lakes Region. She acknowledged that the delegation’s initiatives, which involve discussions with heads of state, are essential for developing effective peace strategies. “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,” she commented.
Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete outlined the mission’s goals, stressing regional leadership in conflict resolution. She noted that this mission represents the fourth phase of discussions on peace and security in Eastern DRC. Butete stated, “Without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.”
She emphasized the need for African nations to self-manage their security issues, advocating against external intervention. “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,” Butete remarked.
The findings of the delegation will be presented to the PF-ICGLR plenary in April for further deliberation. Before transitioning leadership to Angola, Butete highlighted the necessity of achieving tangible progress. Uganda continues to play a pivotal role in promoting regional peace and security, advocating for indigenous solutions to Africa’s challenges.
In conclusion, the PF-ICGLR delegation’s visit to Uganda signifies a concerted effort to promote peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both Speaker Anita Among and Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete emphasized the importance of African-led initiatives to tackle regional conflicts. The mission aims to foster cooperation among African nations while ensuring that local leadership addresses security concerns without relying on external interventions.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
