Defence chiefs to meet in Goma

Defence Minister, Gen. Marcel Gatsinzi and RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. James Kabarebe are expected in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a regional defence and security meeting slated this Friday. According to defence spokesperson Major Jill Rutaremara, the meeting will take place under the auspices of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), a grouping that brings together Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC. Rutaremara said that Goma meeting will aim at exchanging information on the security situation in CEPGL as well as different initiatives aimed at enhancing peace and security in the region. “The meeting will enhance the good relations between the Defence and military establishments of CEPGL member states and revive the framework through which the Defence and Security ministers can meet and deliberate on various Defence and Security issues facing the region as well as the various areas of cooperation,” reads part of a release from the Ministry of Defence. The meeting was institutionalized during the Heads of State Summit that was held in Gbadolite, DRC on November 27, 1994. Meanwhile, a team of experts from the three countries is scheduled to meet for the technical work and the Rwandan team will be led by Brig Gen Jacque Musemakweli. Despite the existence of several armed groups in DRC, the meeting comes at a time when the three countries are enjoying good relations, which resulted in to the revival of CEPEGL which had not been functioning for over a decade. Ends

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Defence chiefs to meet in Goma