Special Envoy Djinnit calls for renewed commitment to neutralize all negative forces in the Great Lakes region
KIGALI, Rwanda, August 24, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- As part of his consultations with the signatory countries of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework (PSCF) agreement for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region, Special Envoy Said Djinnit travelled to Kigali, Rwanda, on 19-22 August 2015 to meet with the country's authorities. During his visit, the Special Envoy had discussions with Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development; Gen. James Kabarebe, Minister of Defense; and Sheikh Mussa Fazil Harerimana, Minister of Internal Security.
Both sides exchanged views on the situation in the region, including developments in Burundi. They expressed concern at the destabilizing activities of FDLR and the threat that it continues to pose to peace and security in the region. The Special Envoy reiterated the need for the neutralization of all negative forces in the region, including the FDLR. In this regard, he stressed the need for the early resumption of military cooperation between MONUSCO and the DRC in the operations against FDLR. He also called for fast tracking the repatriation process of ex-armed combatants as directed by regional Heads of State at their last meeting in Luanda, Angola. He expressed his readiness to work closely with regional and international actors including the Special Envoys team to assist in accelerating ongoing efforts and initiatives towards the neutralization of negative forces.
Ahead of the 6th meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism scheduled to be held at Heads of State level in New York on the margins of the General Assembly, the Special Envoy also discussed the strengthening of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework agreement with Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and the ongoing initiatives to build greater ownership of the PSCF process. He welcomed the commitment of Rwanda to support regional initiatives aimed at promoting social and economic developments.
The Special Envoy visited the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Centre in the north-western part of the country. Between January 2009 and December 2014, the Rwandan Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has demobilized a total of 7,459 former combatants, including M23 and FDLR. He commended the Government of Rwanda and the Chairman of the Demobilization and Reintegration for the significant progress achieved so far in the programme.
He also visited the Mahama camp, which currently hosts 74,349 refugees, mostly women and children, from Burundi, and commended the joint efforts by the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR and other organizations in providing humanitarian assistance to the refugees.