The PF-ICGLR delegation, led by Zambian Speaker Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti Butete, is in Uganda for a mission on peace in the DRC. Ugandan Speaker Anita Among expressed support for African solutions to conflicts, emphasizing the need for peace for regional stability. The visit focuses on the importance of leadership in addressing conflicts, with findings to be reported in April. Uganda advocates for local solutions to security issues as the delegation seeks to promote collaboration among African nations.
A delegation from the Forum of Parliamentarians in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (PF-ICGLR) is currently undertaking a fact-finding mission in Uganda to address issues concerning peace and security in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The delegation is led by the Honorable Nelly Mutti Butete, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and President of the PF-ICGLR. They are scheduled to meet with President Yoweri Museveni during their visit.
During the delegation’s warm welcome on March 10, 2025, by Speaker Anita Among at Parliament, she praised their dedication to fostering regional peace and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to promoting African-led solutions for the continent’s challenges. She remarked, “As Africans, we have always agreed that African problems can only be solved locally,” acknowledging the importance of their mission to engage with state leaders to facilitate peace.
Speaker Among underlined that stability in the DRC is vital for the broader Great Lakes Region and reiterated that regional collaboration is essential for conflict resolution. She emphasized, “Problem-solving is why they are here…It begins with us,” indicating that the responsibility for peace lies with African leaders. Uganda’s ongoing involvement in the forum was also highlighted, demonstrating adherence to its financial commitments.
President Butete articulated the mission’s goals, citing this visit as the fourth phase focused on peace and security in the Eastern DRC. She stated, “Without peace, we cannot interact, and even regional integration cannot prosper. Peace is a precursor to development.” Alongside this, she expressed the necessity for African nations to manage their security issues independently, minimizing reliance on external interventions.
She affirmed that the delegation’s findings would be presented at the PF-ICGLR plenary in April and further discussed at higher levels for policy consideration. As she nears the conclusion of her presidency, Butete stressed the urgency of achieving tangible outcomes prior to the leadership transition to Angola. Uganda continues to play a significant role in advancing regional peace and security, advocating for solutions that originate within Africa itself.
In conclusion, the PF-ICGLR delegation’s mission underscores the critical need for local leadership and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the DRC. With Uganda’s active support for African-led initiatives, the pursuit of peace remains paramount. The findings from this mission promise to inform subsequent discussions aimed at enhancing stability in the Great Lakes Region. As Africa strives for self-reliance in security matters, the ongoing efforts of Ugandan leaders reflect a commitment to sustainable regional peace and development.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
