Fatshimetrie, December 7, 2024
A delegation of Pan-African MPs recently visited the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo to assess the worrying security situation prevailing in this area marked by recurring armed conflicts. Led by Professor Timeleon Bakoua, Vice-President of the International Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Committee at the Pan-African Parliament, this motley team of parliamentarians from various backgrounds such as the Central African Republic, Djibouti, Ghana, Sudan, Benin and Somalia looked into the major security challenges facing the region.
During their meeting with Major General Peter Cirimwami, Military Governor of North Kivu, the MPs expressed their concern about the inaction of the African Union in the face of the crucial security issues facing the DRC for many years. General Cirimwami stressed the need for enhanced regional cooperation to address persistent threats from armed groups, which he described not only as internal challenges, but also as continental challenges.
The purpose of this assessment mission was to collect precise data and formulate recommendations that will be presented to African decision-making bodies. The members of the delegation exchanged views with local authorities, highlighting the challenges facing the region and the urgent need for a collective response from African states to counter growing insecurity.
The intervention of civil society representatives during these discussions enriched the debate by providing essential insight into the difficulties encountered by local populations. The need to sanction states involved in aggression against the DRC was stressed, in order to deter any attempt at territorial invasion.
Pan-African parliamentarians have committed to relaying these concerns to their counterparts, making this mission a lever for action to encourage concrete measures at the continental level to support ongoing peace efforts in the DRC. Resolving conflicts in the region will require collective commitment and inclusive dialogue between all parties concerned, governmental and civil.
This mission, beyond taking stock of the security situation, aims to propose concrete solutions to strengthen peace and stability in a region where geopolitical issues are paramount. By joining forces and expertise, Pan-African MPs aspire to contribute to building a safer and more peaceful future for the populations of Eastern DRC.