ICGLR Countries Strengthen Security and Judicial Cooperation against negative forces

 The stabilization in the Democratic Republic of Congo against the negative forces present in the East of the country was appreciated by the Heads of State and Government during the High Level Meeting of the Monitoring Mechanism held in Kinshasa in february 24, 2022.

 The Heads of State and Government congratulate the Democratic Republic of Congo for the stabilization against the negative forces present in the country and welcome the pacification and stabilization of the East of the Country and the region.

 The Heads of State and Government also congratulate the DRC and Uganda, which have publicly committed to respecting human rights and international humanitarian law.

 However, the Heads of State and Government are concerned that the negative forces that have networks in the region, some of which are affiliated with international terrorist groups, continue to pose a threat to civilians and to fuel mistrust and tensions between the countries of the region.

The Heads of State and Government appreciate the measures taken to follow up on the decisions adopted at the ninth high-level meeting of the Regional Monitoring Mechanism with regard to the strengthening of the regional security mechanisms set up bilaterally between the Republic Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbours, and welcome the repatriation of combatants.

Consultations are also regularly held between the heads of intelligence and security services in Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania with the support of the institutions guaranteeing the Agreement- framework, a measure taken with a view to closer security cooperation.

 It is important to ensure respect for human rights and humanitarian standards at the national level and to promote synergies between security and judicial processes.

The Heads of State and Government are fully committed to supporting these efforts in accordance with the regional commitments made under the Framework Agreement.