The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) has called upon the Democratic Republic of Congo to play an active role in disarming the rebel groups on her soil. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, the Executive Secretary of ICGLR made the call Wednesday shortly after the two-day meeting that brought together academics from different parts of the world with policymakers to seek regional peace and stability. The government of the DR Congo must play a central role in ensuring that all the armed groups on her soil are disarmed and demobilized to bring stability in the region, Mulamula said. The meeting aimed at identifying the progress, challenges and opportunities of the Bujumbura-based ICGLR since its inception one year ago. Mulamula said that disarming, repatriating demobilizing the armed groups in the DRC would help bring lasting peace that has eluded the region for years. She explained the armed groups in Congo have committed all kinds of evil acts including sexual violence against women and young girl which must stop immediately. All kinds of evil against humanity in the region must stop and the process of unity and reconciliation be emphasised, she added. She explained that the issue of peace and security in the region should not be a monopoly of the government but civil society organizations, religious groups, the private sector and all stake holders must take part. The Security Council recently called on all armed groups operating in the DR.Congo to surrender immediately to Congolese authorities and to the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUC. Ends
