The deputy coordinator of the national monitoring mechanism for the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been appointed, Julienne Lusenge. This appointment was endorsed by women’s organizations in the country, including Annie Matundu, a women’s rights activist.
In an interview, Annie Matundu hailed this appointment, emphasizing Ms. Lusenge’s strengths in the area of monitoring agreements as well as her ability to consolidate peace in the country. She also pointed out that Ms. Lusenge could boost the representation of women in the various dialogue, monitoring and advocacy processes based on Resolution 1325 of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Annie Matundu underlined that one of the main challenges for Mrs. Lusenge will be the current security context which will require an evaluation of the implementation of the Addis Ababa framework agreement, ten years after its signature, taking into account the consideration of other armed groups that did not exist in 2013, the year of its signature. She also indicated that there is the multiplicity of women-led peace initiatives that need to be brought together.
As a reminder, the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region, signed in 2013 by eleven African countries, aims to put an end to the cycles of conflict and violence raging regularly in the Great Lakes region, more particularly in the eastern part of the DRC. Each year, the guarantor countries must carry out an evaluation of its implementation.
In short, the appointment of Julienne Lusenge is one more step in the consecration of actions for peace and security in the DRC, in particular for the representation of women in the processes of dialogue, monitoring and advocacy.