WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — Members of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure peace and security in member states.

CEPGL is a bloc of three member countries including Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking at a two-day seminar of delegates from member countries recently, Gabriel Toyi, the Executive Secretary of CEPGL said the three-member body would encourage armed groups in member countries to come to round table discussions with governments.

"This is our second meeting to discuss the new peace commissions in CEPGL. We set up various commissions that will be responsible for bringing about peace in the three CEPGL member states through organizing dialogue between the armed forces and the governments involved,” he said.

He added, "We believe the current rebel activities in some of the states can be resolved on a round table rather than the use of weapons. That’s why we held this two-day meeting to design the way forward for these commission to achieve our goals.”

The meeting was reportedly convened to discuss strategies to be employed by various commissions to bring about peace.

The commissions set up include Demobilization and Integration Commission, Peace and Security commission and the Commission in charge of Migration.

CEPGL officer in charge of peace, security, democracy and good governance, Epimaki Nsanzurwanda, observed that cooperation between the three governments in the demobilization process was critical in  improving security in the region.

Nsanzurwanda noted that dialogue can lead to demobilization of the armed forces such as FDRL in DRC and the Burundi National Liberation Forces (FNL).  

Meanwhile, Nsanzurwanda said CEPGL will before the end of this year start issuing traveling documents including passports for nationals in its member states to ensure easy movement of goods and people.

CEPGL was established in September 1976 and comprises institutions shared by Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Its main aim is to foster security, economic integration and facilitate the movement of goods and people.

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