A PF-ICGLR delegation, led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, is in Uganda to discuss peace and security in the DRC. Speaker Anita Among welcomed them, stressing the importance of local solutions for African problems. The mission highlights Uganda’s commitment to regional peace, with findings to be presented at the PF-ICGLR plenary in April.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) has visited Uganda for a fact-finding mission focused on peace and security in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, the team is scheduled to meet with President Yoweri Museveni to discuss regional stability.
Upon welcoming the delegation, Speaker Anita Among praised their dedication to regional peace on March 10, 2025, and reiterated Uganda’s commitment to addressing African problems locally. She emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among African leaders in achieving peace in the DRC, stating, “African problems can only be solved locally.”
Speaker Among also reaffirmed Uganda’s support for peace initiatives crucial for stability in the Great Lakes Region. She noted that successful conflict resolution requires contributions from African leaders rather than relying on external entities, asserting, “It begins with us,” in fostering peace within the region.
Butete clarified the primary goals of the visit, declaring it as a critical phase concerning peace and security in Eastern DRC. She stressed, “without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.”
The necessity for African nations to prioritize their own security challenges without outside intervention was emphasized by Butete. She expressed that responsible leadership within the region should handle conflict matters, stating, “We don’t want to invite strangers to come and intervene in our affairs.”
The findings from the delegation’s mission will be reported at the PF-ICGLR plenary in April, paving the way for further discussions on security issues. Butete, nearing the end of her term as forum president, highlighted the importance of making tangible progress before transitioning leadership to Angola, reinforcing Uganda’s influential role in regional peace and security efforts.
The ongoing mission of the PF-ICGLR delegation highlights Uganda’s active role in fostering peace and stability in the DRC and the Greater Lakes Region. By prioritizing African-led initiatives, the mission aims to address regional conflicts effectively. The upcoming report at the plenary will facilitate discussions that are vital for maintaining peace in the region, emphasizing the responsibility of African nations in securing their own challenges.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
