After officially accepting the rotating presidency of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Congolese President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo affirmed his ambition to mark his term with concrete progress.
In his inaugural speech, the Congolese Head of State emphasized the need for a “results-oriented presidency,” responding to the significant expectations for peace, regional cooperation, and sustainable development in a region often marked by instability.
Here are the five priority areas he intends to pursue during his mandate:
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Strengthening Peace and Security: Intensifying joint efforts to end armed conflicts, particularly in eastern DRC, and combating regional armed groups.
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Enhanced Regional Cooperation: Promoting closer collaboration among member states, especially in the areas of security, intelligence, and border management.
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Inclusive Economic Development: Accelerating cross-border infrastructure projects, trade exchanges, and the economic integration of countries in the region.
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Transitional Justice and Reconciliation: Encouraging acknowledgment of serious crimes, including sexual violence, and promoting mechanisms for restorative justice.
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Governance and Human Rights: Promoting democratic values, respect for human rights, and good governance across all ICGLR member states.
President Tshisekedi concluded by calling on his peers to “move from words to action” and to build together a stable, prosperous, and united region.
THE EDITORIAL TEAM