20 December 2014 - The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, Mr. Said Djinnit, visited Kinshasa from 19-20 December and met with the President of the Republic of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E Mr. Joseph Kabila Kabange.

They reviewed the ongoing efforts to eradicate the armed groups that are committing acts of violence and serious violations of human rights in eastern Congo. In this regard, they discussed the issue of the FDLR on the eve of the 2 January deadline set by the regional leaders and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council for their voluntary disarmament. The decision provided for the military option in case of the FDLR non compliance with the deadline.

The Special Envoy reiterated his strong condemnation of the horrific acts committed against innocent civilians in the area of Beni that have been attributed to the ADF, and welcomed the collaboration between the FARDC and MONUSCO aimed at restoring stability in that area. The President and the Special Envoy shared views on the ongoing efforts to repatriate the former M23 combatants from Uganda and Rwanda within the framework of the implementation of the Nairobi Declarations.

Special Envoy Djinnit seized the opportunity to encourage initiatives by the leaders of the Great Lakes region to promote confidence, cooperation and development. In this regard, he encouraged President Kabila and the other concerned leaders in their efforts to revitalise the CEPGL.