AU set for economic integration talks in the Great Lakes area

Source: Guardian on Sunday via IPP Media

By Felister Peter

1 February 2015 - African countries forming the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework will later this year conduct the Great Lakes Private Sector Investment Forum to strengthen economic integration and foster peacemaking efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the region as a whole.

The decision was reached here yesterday during the Fifth High-level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the PSC which was attended by Heads of State from 11 member countries, including Tanzania under the chairmanship of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon.

The main agenda of the meeting was to discuss the actions taken since the January 2nd deadline on FDLR voluntary surrender, status of implementation of Nairobi Declarations of the Kampala Dialogue on repatriation of ex M23 to DRC and implementation of the PSC framework on economic cooperation and regional integration.

In an interview with The Guardian on Sunday soon after the meeting, Tanzania’s Foreign and International Cooperation Minister, BenardMembe said the leaders are optimistic that peace can be attained and maintained through economic integration.

“We resolved to unite our countries through economic incorporation…the major purpose is to restore peace in the DRC and Great Lakes region,” said Membe.

According to him, economic cooperation expands business opportunities, creates jobs and can help in bringing about long term stability and peace in the region.

He said after successful removal of the M23 rebels in Republic of Congo, the countries agreed to unite efforts in enhancing peace and to remove the remaining rebel groups.

On implementation of the January 2nd deadline on removing the FDRL rebels from DRC, the Minister said that signatory parties to the PSC framework and agreement backed the government of DRC’s decision but cautioned that operation should be conducted in strict observance of human rights in order to reduce collateral damage and social causalities.

“We have agreed that before military operations starts, there should be high level intelligence to obtain specific informati