Government will continue to support the process of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) as a key pact that aims at restoring lasting peace and stability within the Great Lakes region.

This was revealed yesterday by Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo while officiating at the opening of the 7th retreat of national stake holders discussing progress of implementation of the regional pact at Laico Umubano hotel in Kigali.

The retreat that was organised by Rwanda National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) brought together MPs, members of specialised groups of ICGLR, civil society organisations and the media.

The one day retreat focused on reviewing progress of implementing the pact and adopting a one-year action plan.

Minister Mushikiwabo said that the last five years have witnessed tremendous changes in terms of peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region owing to the process of ICGLR.

"The pact is a vital instrument in transforming the Great Lakes Region into an area of shared growth and development,” said Mushikiwabo.

"The main challenge for all of us is to build institutions that nurture democracy at all levels to spread political awareness through civic education and to enhance accountability through adherence to the law and due process” said Mushikiwabo

She requested the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) to translate the pact in Kinya-rwanda so as to enable the local population understand it.

In an Interview with The New Times, Mushikiwabo said that Government will continue to support all initiatives and decisions that permit the successful implementation of the pact both at national and regional levels.

Ten countries have so far ratified the pact.

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