PRESIDENT Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has appreciated the role played by Tanzania, South Africa and Malawi for their efforts to subdue insurgency in some parts of eastern DRC through the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
Mr Tshisekedi made the appreciation yesterday during the ongoing 42nd Ordinary Summit of Heads State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which is being held in Kinshasa and set to end today.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania is also attending the summit of the 16-member development community, which is being held with a theme: “Promoting industrialization through, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and regional value chains for inclusive and resilient economic growth”.
Delivering a speech after he took over the chairmanship of SADC, President Tshisekedi recognized the role played the three member countries of SADC for committing themselves to help fight rebel forces in eastern DRC.
“I take this opportunity to appreciate solidarity which has been shown by SADC members at this time when our country is facing armed conflicts in some eastern parts.
“In particular, we extend our gratitude to SADC members such as Tanzania, South Africa and Malawi whose soldiers have sacrificed their lives in restoring peace in DRC,” President Tshisekedi told leaders who attended the high-level meeting.
The United Nations Force Intervention Brigade is a military formation which was authorized by the United Nations Security Council on March 28th 2013 through Resolution 2098 to stabilise and neutralise armed forces in eastern DRC.
Delivering a keynote address at the summit, the outgoing Chairman of SADC, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi stressed on peace and security for member states of the regional grouping.
Dr Chakwera as well implored the promotion of macroeconomic stability and investment in human capital development, stressing that SADC must create opportunities for people.
The Malawian leader assumed the chairmanship of SADC on August 17, 2021 during the 41st SADC Summit which was held in Lilongwe, Malawi. He took over from President Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique.
Meanwhile, representatives of founding leaders of SADC received medals on behalf the heroic leaders, most of whom are deceased.
Some of the leaders included Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania whose medal was picked by his son, Mr Madaraka Nyerere, who was also present at the summit yesterday.
President Samia arrived in DRC on Tuesday ahead of the annual summit which brings together all leaders of the development community.
According to organisers of the high-level meeting, the theme for this year’s summit underscores efforts to strengthen implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030.
The plan seeks to further deepen Southern Africa regional integration and foster development in support to the pillar for Industrial Development and Market Integration.
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