The FDLR must be disarmed along with all the other negative forces in eastern DRC

13 Nov 2014

The FDLR must be disarmed along with all the other negative forces in eastern DRC

Nairobi, 13 November 2014 – The UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Said Djinnit, met in Nairobi today with the Kenya-based representatives of the signatory countries of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework agreement.
Like his predecessor, Mary Robinson, the Special Envoy said he believed that the PSC Framework is a “Framework of Hope”, which if implemented, will bring lasting peace and stability to the region. “The PSC Framework is not a duplicate of previous agreements, it is a booster, a catalytic instrument, which can bring peace and prosperity to this region.” He also said he was encouraged by the positive dynamics created around the PSC Framework, and asked for the support of the regional leaders to maintain the momentum.

The Special Envoy touched on the question of the disarmament of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and said they should be disarmed as a matter of urgency. “Not only do they bring unrest to the populations in eastern DRC, but they also entertain the mistrust among the leaders of the region and as a result, must be disarmed along with all the other negative forces”. The Special Envoy also raised the issue of impunity, and said his Office would work closely with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to strengthen rule of law in the region.

Mr. Djinnit said he was committed to working with the civil society, as well as with women’s organizations and the youth to achieve a full implementation of the PSC Framework agreement.

The PSC Framework was signed in Addis Ababa last year by 13 countries including, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Burundi, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Central African Republic, Kenya, and Zambia.