Kinshasa: The Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, T©te Ant³nio, declared on Thursday in Kinshasa that Angola's presidency of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL) was characterized by a 'complex, volatile and permeated by uncertainty' regional situation. This statement marked the conclusion of his term as head of the CIRGL Inter-Ministerial Committee (RIMC).
According to Angola Press News Agency, T©te Ant³nio was speaking during the handover ceremony of the symbols and legal instruments of the CIRGL, notably the organization's flag and protocol. The rotating presidency of the Committee has now been assumed by Floribert Anzuluni Isiloketshi, Minister of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of the 19th Ordinary Session of the body held in Kinshasa.
In his speech as the outgoing Chair, Minister T©te Ant³nio emphasized the complexity and uncertainty of the peace and security situation in the Great Lakes region during Angola's presidency. Despite the political determination of the CIRGL Member States to promote peace and development, numerous challenges related to peace and security, statutory contributions, and socio-economic and humanitarian issues emerged.
T©te Ant³nio pointed out that these challenges necessitated a cautious approach in certain circumstances, while in others, a proactive stance was essential. This Saturday, the Congolese capital will host the IX Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the CIRGL, which will mark the official end of Angola's mandate as head of the regional organization.
The meeting, themed 'Consolidating peace and security in the Great Lakes countries', will see the DRC assuming the rotating presidency for a two-year term. The CIRGL, an intergovernmental organization, was established to address the regional dimension of political instability and conflicts in Member States, requiring a concerted effort for sustainable peace and development.
Currently, the CIRGL comprises 12 countries: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, DRC, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. These nations convene at a summit of heads of State and Government every two years.
