João Lourenço defends strengthening regional cooperation against terrorism

João Lourenço launched the invitation in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRCongo) where the 10th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Signatory Countries of the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Region.

The President underlined in his speech that the purpose of the meeting is to analyze the progress achieved in the context of the implementation of this multilateral mechanism that aims to create conditions for DRCongo and the region to achieve definitive peace and stability.

Lourenço expressed his concern about the difficulties that still persist in carrying out disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and resettlement (DDR/RR) actions for former rebels in the region.

"The marked porosity of the borders of the countries that make up the Great Lakes region and the slow progress in the demarcation of international borders between the countries of the region, which is partly due to the lack of available resources for this purpose, hinders the efforts to mitigate this situation", he explained.

Another concern is the attacks carried out by terrorist groups in eastern DRCongo and in other countries, demonstrating the need to strengthen "regional cooperation and coordination in the field of security", he stressed.

In this context, Angola took the initiative to promote a Summit on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes in Africa, which will take place in Equatorial Guinea, between the 28th and 29th of May, to reflect on the coups d'etat and terrorism on the continent, as well as as to look for the best solutions to discourage such practices.

"That's why I take this stage to appeal to all the heads of state present to participate in the Malabo Summit, as it will be a unique opportunity to focus on an issue that greatly concerns everyone", appealed João Lourenço.

The chief executive welcomed, however, some recent developments in favor of peace in the region, such as the reopening of the Gatuna-Katuna border post, the positive evolution of the situation in the Central African Republic, which led to the unilateral declaration of -fire by the government authorities and "the significant progress made towards the normalization of relations between Rwanda and Burundi and between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the peaceful holding of general elections" in some countries.

The head of state congratulated the President of DRCongo for the efforts he has been making towards the eradication of rebel groups in the east of the country and the reconciliation of all the living forces of the Congolese nation.

"These actions reinforce the idea and hope that our sub-region is awakening to the need to build stability and security as unavoidable factors to ensure the achievement of our major objectives of reducing poverty and building well-being. well-being and prosperity of our peoples", he stressed.

The summit will take place this Thursday and will be attended by delegations from the 13 countries linked to the Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Angola, Burundi, Kenya, Central African Republic, Congo, Republic Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

João Lourenço participates in the summit as President of the Republic of Angola, but also because he assumes the temporary presidency of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region.