The PF-ICGLR delegation in Uganda is on a mission to promote peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete. Speaker Anita Among highlighted Uganda’s support for regional solutions to African problems and reiterated the need for stability in the Great Lakes Region. The delegation will present its findings in April to advance discussions on peace and security.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) is currently engaged in a fact-finding mission in Uganda, focusing on peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The delegation is headed by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and President of PF-ICGLR, and will also hold discussions with President Yoweri Museveni.
Upon their arrival, Uganda’s Speaker, Anita Among, expressed her commendation for the delegation’s commitment to regional peace during a meeting held on 10 March 2025. She reaffirmed Uganda’s support for African solutions to the challenges faced by the continent, stating, “As Africans, we have always agreed that African problems can only be solved locally.”
Among emphasized the significance of achieving peace in the DRC for the stability of the Great Lakes Region. She commented, “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 also pointed out Uganda’s active role in the forum, confirming that the country is current on its financial responsibilities. Butete, in outlining the goals of the visit, noted it marks the fourth phase focused on peace and security for the eastern DRC. She stressed the necessity for peace, stating, “without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.”
Butete conveyed the importance of African nations taking control of their security matters independently, stating, “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.”
The findings from the delegation’s mission will be delivered to the PF-ICGLR plenary in April and will be considered for further discussion at higher levels. Butete highlighted the urgency of tangible progress in peace initiatives before her term as President transitions to Angola. Uganda plays a vital role in regional peace efforts, promoting locally-sourced solutions for Africa’s challenges.
The recent visit of the PF-ICGLR delegation to Uganda underscores the commitment to fostering peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Led by Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, the initiative highlights the critical role of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges. Speaker Anita Among’s remarks reinforce the notion that African nations must primarily lead peace efforts, emphasizing their capability and responsibility to manage regional stability and integrate effectively. Overall, this mission is an essential step towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
