The Senatorial Commission for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, this week meets four senior government officials to find out the progress made by the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries CEPGL since its doors were opened more than two decades ago.

CEPGL is a sub-regional organization created by the signing of the 1976 Gisenyi Agreement in a deal that brought together Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC to promote socio-economic development.  

Information availed by the Parliamentary Communication Office indicates that the team, led by its President, Senator Joseph Karemera, will meet with the Ministers for Commerce; Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Education; Charles Muligande and the Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). Defence Minister James Kabarebe met the commission on Monday.

According to the team will meet the officials to discuss various issues which include what Rwanda and the region have achieved from CEPGL in terms of energy, security and the economy, among others.

"The Commission will basically be on a fact finding mission on how Rwanda and the region has benefitted from CEPGL socio-economically since that was the original reason the organisation was set up. They will go through the energy, security and economic benefits or any other issues that pertain to being part of CEPGL,” said Committee Clerk, Constantin Rwigema,

The Commission will also seek answers about the progress made by the Economic Development Bank of the Great Lakes region (DBGL), who owes what and who has not played their part in contributing their share.

This comes at the heels of an announcement by the Senate President; Vincent Biruta, that Rwanda will next year host the CEPGL General Assembly.

He made the announcement upon is return from Brussels, Belgium, where he attended the EU-Africa: Partnership for Development and Security conference.

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