KIGALI - The Minister of Defence, James Kabarebe, yesterday, met the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative (SRSG) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Roger Meece, to discuss regional security, especially the situation in eastern DRC.

Meece, who heads MONUSCO, had paid a courtesy call on Kabarebe to discuss issues of common interest in regard to security and stability in the region, and to thank Rwanda for her assistance in transporting the Mission’s equipment to DRC through Rwanda.

"There is mounting pressure on the militias in DRC, and the cooperation we have had from the Congolese army and Rwanda, has led to an important headway on the road towards bringing stability to DRC,” Meece said.

He added that the good bilateral relations between Rwanda and DRC have contributed tremendously to the weakening of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia.

"The arrest of top leaders of FDLR, including Callixte Mbarushimana, and the continued repatriation of the group’s top commanders is definitely a clear indication that the FDLR is weakened,” said Meece.

"I hope we will continue to have a very good collaborative relationship to achieve our shared objectives of peace, and secure conditions for the people of the region,” he added.
The UN official, who has had a long career in the region as a diplomat, said that Rwanda and DRC have achieved a lot of progress towards returning peace in the region, and restoring diplomatic relations.

Defence and Army spokesman, Lt Col Jill Rutaremara, said that discussions also touched on issues regarding several militia leaders across the world and the collaboration of Kayumba Nyamwasa’s camp with the FDLR. 

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