Experts of the Great Lakes region meet in Nairobi to discuss security and political issues pertaining to the region

Nairobi (Kenya), 25 January 2019 - The Technical Support Committee of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region held its 23rd meeting on 24-25 January in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the decisions of the 9th Regional Oversight Mechanism held on 8 October 2018 in Kampala, Uganda. The meeting was co-chaired by Said Djinnit and Basile Ikouebe, respectively United Nations Special Envoy and African Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes region. The meeting brought together representatives from the signatory countries of the Framework agreement, as well as senior officials from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO.

After taking note of recent political developments in the region, including the elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the launching of the Central African Republic dialogue under the African Initiative in Khartoum, participants discussed the issues of addressing the threat of illegal armed groups; repatriation of former combatants; electoral and dialogue processes; and advancing economic integration in the region. They also reviewed the progress of the Framework agreement to be submitted to the next summit of heads of State. Finally, they heard a briefing on Children and Armed Conflicts by Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflicts.

The Technical Support Committee meets four times a year to discuss and make recommendations to heads of State on the implementation of the core objectives of the Framework agreement concerning the neutralization of armed groups in eastern DRC; tackling the illegal exploitation of natural resources; addressing impunity and promoting judicial cooperation; finding durable solutions for refugees and IDPs; supporting Women and Youth empowerment; and promoting regional integration, economic development and governance.

The Regional Oversight Mechanism is the main oversight body under the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework agreement for the DRC and the region. It meets once a year at head of State and Government level to review progress in the implementation of the Framework agreement based on recommendations from the Technical Support Committee.

The participants agreed to hold their 24th and 25th meetings in Uganda and the DRC in May and September respectively.