The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) held its 10th extraordinary summit in Luanda, Angola, on Friday June 2, 2023. This sub-regional organization took this opportunity to ask the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC ) accelerate the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Community Reintegration and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) in the Eastern Region of the country. This measure is essential to resolve the conflict that is raging there.
The Summit also underlined the urgent need to reactivate the humanitarian program for displaced persons, as well as the possibility of voter registration in areas previously occupied by the M23. This would support the ongoing electoral process in the DRC. The Summit also called for the reopening of all access routes and urged humanitarian agencies to assist the internally displaced.
In addition, the Ministers of External Relations/Foreign Affairs of Angola, DRC, Rwanda and Burundi were instructed to meet periodically to jointly assess the progress made in the implementation of the commitments arising from the road map. Road to Luanda and the Joint Action Plan for the Pacification of the Eastern Region of the DRC and the Normalization of Political-Diplomatic Relations between the DRC and Rwanda. This plan is supported by the Ad-hoc Verification Mechanism.
The Summit also welcomed the decision of SADC (Southern African Development Community) to deploy a Standby Force to support ongoing efforts for peace and security in eastern DRC.
The Independent National Electoral Commission maintained the seats obtained in past elections for the territories of Rutshuru and Masisi in North Kivu province which were then occupied by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. These territories could not be enrolled to participate in the general elections scheduled for December 2023. Faced with this situation, the government has promised to do everything possible to restore security in this part of the country so that the population can enlist. for the elections.
Overall, the ICGLR and the Congolese government are working together to end the ongoing conflicts in the eastern region of the DRC and to ensure a credible and fair electoral process.