The Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region, which was signed on the December 15, 2006 by Heads of State and Government entered into force on Saturday.

"The entry into force of the Pact is in line with Article 33, which stipulates that 30 days following receipt of the eighth instruments of ratification by the Conference Secretariat, the Pact will enter into force,” a press statement from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) indicated.

ICGLR, a platform that seeks to promote peace and development, brings together the countries of Angola, Burundi, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The eighth instrument of ratification was received from the Republic of Congo on May 21, the communiqué said. Other member states that had already submitted their instruments of ratification are Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, and Central African Republic.

In conformity with article 32, the Conference Secretariat shall deposit the Pact upon its entry into force, with the Secretary General of the United Nations and with the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, the release added.

Ends