African leaders pleased with Southern and Central Africa developments

Luanda, ANGOLA, August 15 - African leaders hailed the recent political and security developments in the Central, Southern and Great Lakes regions ,

 

This was during a Summit of the Heads of State and Government held in the Angolan capital, Luanda, on Tuesday.

 

The event aimed at ensuring political coordination for unity in action.

 

In addition to the Angolan statesman, João Lourenço, the Summit gathered president of Republic of Congo and leader of the International Conference on Great Lakes Region (CIRGL) Denis Sassou Nguesso.

 

Also attended the event was Gabon president and leader of Economic Commission for Central African States (ECCAS), Ali Bongo Ondimba.

 

In the final communiqué, the Heads of State welcomed the agreement signed by the parties to the conflict in South Sudan  last week.

 

They encouraged President Salva Kirr and Dr. Riek Marchar as well as all those involved in its implementation to enable  the desired peace and national reconciliation by the southern Sudanese people.

 

Still on the above issue, the participants congratulated the Heads of State and Government of the region for their personal engagement in bringing peace to South Sudan.

 

On the situation in DRC,  the statesmen were informed on progress linked to the preparation for the elections in that country, set for 23 December this year, the source added.

 

The Summit welcomed the President Joseph Kabila’s commitment to respecting the Constitution at the end of his second term.

 

"This is a clear evidence of determination to put the interest of the DRC people above any other consideration," reads the final communique.

 

The participants also hailed the role of UN Secretary-General António Guterrez and the UN Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) for the stability in that country, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

 

The Heads of State also reaffirmed their availability to monitor and support the people and authorities of the DRC at this important moment in the consolidation of its democratic process.

 

However, the leaders expressed concern about the continued presence of negative ADF and FDLR forces in the east of the country where they continue to target civilian and destabilising neighbouring countries.

 

To this purpose, they called for a regional action against these negative forces, under several communiqués and Summits.

 

As for situation in Burundi and the Central African Republic (CAR), the Luanda

meeting also provided information on the positive developments in the internal political situation in Burundi and encouraged the continuation of the dialogue process.

 

While in the CAR, the Presidents expressed concern about the persistent climate of instability in this country.

 

The leaders decided to continue working with the Government and other political actors in CAR in order to improve the people's lives and the exercise of governance.

 

Still in with regard to this country, the leaders recognised the efforts made by MINUSCA and paid tribute to those who gave their lives for peace.

 

They expressed their satisfaction at the role of the African Union and the Commission in continued efforts for peace, security and reconciliation in those countries.

 

The summit was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the DRC, Léonard She Okitundu, on behalf of President Joseph Kabila.

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda Sam Kutesa represented the President Yoweri Museveni.

 

Top diplomat of Rwandan Louise Mushikiwabo took part in the meeting on behalf of the President Paul Kagame.

 

Mohammed El-Hacem Lebatt, strategic adviser to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also attended the Summit.

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