Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, joined regional foreign ministers for discussions on strengthening cooperation to address security challenges and promote peace and stability across the Great Lakes region.
The discussions took place in Lusaka, Zambia, during the 20th Ordinary Session of the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee (RIMC) of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), held on Monday, October 19.
The meeting, officially opened by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, brought together representatives of member states to examine regional developments and consider joint responses to security and humanitarian challenges.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed Nduhungirehe’s participation, saying the meeting focused on efforts to advance peace, security and stability across the region.
The discussions also provided an opportunity for member states to review progress on previous commitments and consider measures to strengthen cooperation in addressing common challenges.
Speaking at the opening session, President Hichilema urged regional leaders to address the underlying causes of insecurity through economic development, trade and job creation.
He argued that poverty, unemployment and limited economic opportunities contributed to instability, calling for stronger regional partnerships to support lasting peace.
Hichilema also encouraged member states to strengthen cross-border trade and ensure that natural resources contribute to economic growth rather than fuel conflict.
The meeting followed a series of consultations involving regional defence officials, military experts and government representatives.
On Sunday, October 18, five countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Tanzania, endorsed draft procedures aimed at improving cooperation in dealing with foreign armed groups.
The proposed measures cover the disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation and reintegration of foreign combatants operating in the region.
The draft Standard Operating Procedures are intended to guide coordinated efforts among participating countries to address armed groups whose activities threaten regional stability.
Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, participated in the earlier security discussions alongside other regional defence representatives.
The ICGLR meetings in Lusaka began on October 8 and covered regional security, humanitarian challenges, natural resource management and institutional cooperation.
The organisation comprises 12 member states and provides a framework for addressing shared security and development challenges.
Its Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee brings together foreign ministers to review regional priorities, assess progress on previous decisions and recommend measures to strengthen cooperation.
The draft procedures endorsed by the five countries will be submitted to their Heads of State for consideration and final adoption.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10