African Presidents Hold Closed-door Mini-Summit On Situation In DR Congo

Africa’s Heads of State convened a private meeting to discuss the peace and security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The closed-door session occurred before the commencement of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, to achieve peace in Africa by 2030. The gathering was held at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Peace and Security Auditorium at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. The meeting was organized by Angolan President and AU Champion of Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, João Manuel Goncalves Lorenco.

Rwandese president Paul Kagame

The objective of the mini-summit on DR Congo is to seek enduring resolutions for the peace, security, and stability of the region. Uganda’s participation in the meeting is being overseen by H.E. Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo, who is standing in for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni also holds the title of AU Champion of Integration. Alupo is heading a team that includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, and Uganda’s Ambassador to the African Union H.E Amb.

Kenyan president William Ruto

Rebecca Amuge Otengo. Some of the presidents attending this important summit include South African President Cyril Rwamaphosa, Kenyan President William Ruto and Rwandese President Paul Kagame among others. This Mini-Summit on DR Congo comes at a time when the mineral-rich country is involved in intense fighting between national forces and M23 rebels operating in Eastern DR Congo.

VP Alupo with other Heads of State in the meeting

The same country is being used by negative forces such as ADF who are causing mayhem on Ugandans at the border districts of Kamwenge, Kasese and Bundibugyo. The fighting in that country has since displaced many people and left scores dead