President Paul Kagame received a delegation from the African Union Panel of Facilitators involved in the peace process in eastern DR Congo, with discussions focused on the next steps towards lasting peace and stability.
At Urugwiro Village, Kagame met former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Togolese Deputy Foreign Minister Yackoley Kokou Johnson, who represents the AU mediator, also attended the meeting.
The Presidency said: “Their discussions focused on the AU-led peace process and next steps towards achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC, including addressing the root causes of the conflict.”
The delegation travelled to Rwanda after meeting AFC/M23 leaders in Goma, including the alliance’s political coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, and his deputy, Bertrand Bisimwa.
The panel supports Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, the AU-appointed mediator for the conflict, and works to advance an African-led political solution.
Its current programme covers dialogue with armed groups, security concerns, humanitarian access, regional economic cooperation, natural resources and reconciliation. It also provides for the participation of women, young people and civil society in peace efforts.
The facilitators are expected to present the outcome of their consultations to the AU mediator and the Congolese government before continuing their regional engagements.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10