On the occasion, João Lourenço recalled the scope of the ceasefire, adding that following it, the M23 forces should have been cantoned, disarmed and reintegrated into DRC society. However, he lamented, the only positive action that took place in the whole process was the ceasefire.
"Therefore, we were never able to take the next step that was required, which was to define and prepare the areas for cantonment", added the also president of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL), quoted by Angop.
In his speech, the head of state pointed out that at this Friday's meeting the focus should be on the need to determine the cantonment zones, who should designate them, prepare them, as well as "which sources of funding" they can "count on to maintain the M23 personnel in these camp areas for as long as necessary, while they are not reintegrated into Congolese society", writes Angop.
Thus, João Lourenço said he thought that the function, this Friday, "should go around" that point. "I think that our function, today, should revolve around this point, basically areas of cantonment, their preparation and funding to keep the M23 troops stationed", he said, quoted by Angop.
Considering it necessary to "find the best paths" for peace in the east of the DRC, the head of state also said that "this is a long process", having passed through several places, such as Luanda, Kenya, among others.
"This is a process that has already been a long one, it went through Luanda, Kenya, Washington DC, where we met last December, once again in Bujumbura. We take advantage of the opportunity to be together again, here in Addis Ababa, to see if we can unblock the problems that unfortunately persist on the ground", he pointed out, quoted by Angop.
Evarist Ndayishimiye, president of Burundi, also cited by Angop, referred that peace in the region is urgent, adding that everything must be done so that peace becomes a reality at regional level.
It should be noted that João Lourenço is currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will participate in the 36th ordinary session of AU Heads of State and Government.
