Denis Mukwege, a distinguished Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2018 for his commitment to women victims of sexual violence in war, recently spoke out on the importance of revitalizing the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement for Peace and Cooperation in the Great Lakes Region. This statement echoes the cancellation of the tripartite meeting between the DRC, Rwanda and Angola, scheduled for Luanda, thus raising awareness of the need to strengthen peace initiatives in this volatile area.
The Addis Ababa Framework Agreement, signed in 2013, represents a cornerstone in efforts to resolve persistent conflicts in eastern DRC and neighboring countries. This initiative, supported by several States and international institutions, aims to end the devastating cycles of violence and neutralize armed groups operating in the region. This is an essential step to promote peace, security and sustainable development in a region marked by instability and human suffering.
Despite the commitments made in this historic agreement, Denis Mukwege stresses that the promises made remain largely unfulfilled. In a context marked by the failure of current political initiatives, he insists on the need to put the Framework Agreement back on the international agenda to revive a dynamic of peace in the region. Beyond declarations and condemnations, he calls for concrete actions to resolve the structural causes of conflicts, such as the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the culture of impunity.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner also underlines the importance of a multilateral approach to address security and humanitarian challenges in the region. He advocates the adoption of political and economic sanctions against countries supporting armed groups and hindering peace efforts. This coercive approach aims to put an end to external interference and recurring aggressions that destabilize the DRC and compromise regional peace.
In conclusion, Denis Mukwege’s voice resonates as a vibrant call for action and international solidarity in favor of peace and stability in the Great Lakes. Faced with the unspeakable suffering of populations affected by conflicts, it is imperative that the international community mobilize in a concerted and determined manner to put an end to violence and work towards a lasting and inclusive peace.