The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Plenary has noted a motion calling for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
The motion was moved by Hon. Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina at the currently underway First Ordinary Session of Sixth Parliament of PAP in Midrand, South Africa held under the African Union theme “Strengthening nutritional resilience and food security on the African continent: strengthening Agri-food, health and social protection systems for the acceleration of the development of human, social and economic development.”
In her motion, Hon. Majodina called for the cessation of all hostilities in the DRC and that the current Luanda and Nairobi Peace Initiatives be respected, and their recommendations implemented.
“We call upon the immediate withdrawal of all parties supporting rebels in order to create an enabling environment for the mediation process to take place,” said Hon. Majodina.
The President of the PAP, H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira said that peacebuilding is a complex process and that this particular motion is a sensitive issue and called upon members to be “measured in their contributions and responses.”
H.E. Hon. Charumbira suggested that members of those countries involved in the conflict discuss these issues further on the sidelines of the PAP. “The Chamber should be a container of emotions and we should continue building peace across Africa,” said H.E. Hon. Charumbira.
According to Hon. Sen. John Bonds Bideri from Rwanda the Nairobi Peace Map, which is now being pursued, provides numerous avenues for dialogue. “We support all efforts to promote peace and stability in Africa,” said Hon. Bideri.
“Our solutions need to be holistic. As members of the PAP, we need to resolve problems politically. In our peace-building efforts, we need to pursue dialogue and use national and international peace initiatives available to us,” said Hon. Sen. Bideri.
Hon. Jaynet Kabila from the DRC recalled the history of the Great Lakes Region and Rwanda and said that the DRC supports every effort to bring about peace in the eastern parts of the DRC.
“It is critical that we address the root causes and negotiate a lasting and durable solution,” said Hon. Kabila.
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