Facilitators urge Rwanda, Uganda to resolve standoff and pave way for regional integration

Angola and DR Congo have urged for more “openness” at the ongoing Rwanda-Uganda talks under a framework inked in Luanda in August, saying resolving the current impasse would pave way for “most wanted regional economic integration.” Representatives of the two countries were speaking Friday afternoon at the opening of the second round of talks between Rwanda and Uganda at Speke Resort Conference Centre Munyonyo in Kampala. Gilbert Kakonde, DR Congos Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Interior, Security and Customary Affairs delivering his remarks. Ministers from Angola and DR Congo are facilitating the second meeting of the Ad Hoc Commission on the implementation of the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding signed by Presidents Paul Kagame and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and backed by both Angola and DR Congo. “This dialogue is taking place in the context of African conflict-settlement mechanisms conducted under a tree,” said Gilbert Kakonde Malambe, DR Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Interior, Security and Customary Affairs. He called on Rwanda and Uganda to discuss matters that have strained their relations over the last few years with greater openness. He underlined his country’s commitment to support the two countries to overcome their differences under the Luanda framework, adding, “The primary responsibility rests with our two brothers.” Malambe said Rwanda-Uganda talks should not be like “any other endless meetings” that yield no concrete results. On his part, Angola’s Minister for External Relations Manuel Domingos Augusto, said both Rwanda and Uganda demonstrated political will to normalise relations during the first meeting in Kigali in September, urging both sides to go use this round of talks to find lasting solutions to the current standoff. “That showed to the world that in the spirit of African brotherhood and solidarity Africans can find solutions to any disputes that may emerge between them by peaceful means through dialogue,” he said. The Republic of Angola, he said, “salutes these efforts and remains committed to the Memorandum of Luanda and available to assist as a co-facilitator of the process when it’s needed” “We are confident that our two sister countries have all the necessary conditions to make this dialogue a success story given the important role that both countries have in the geopolitical balance of the sub-region for the consolidation of peace and security and stability as a fundamental premise for most wanted regional economic integration,” “We are looking forward to hear from the delegations of Uganda and Rwanda and positive reports that can confirm the results of the work already done.” Rwanda’s delegation is led by Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, State Minister in charge of East African Community affairs, while the Ugandan delegation is led by Sam Kutesa, the Minister for foreign affairs. After the opening session the talks went into a closed-door session after which a joint communique was expected to be released and a joint briefing held. Other senior members of the Rwandan delegation include cabinet ministers Johnston Busingye (Justice), Patrick Nyamvumba (Internal Security) and Prof. Anastase Shyaka (Local Government). Rwanda continues to accuse Uganda of arbitrarily arresting its nationals and torturing them without subjecting them to due process, supporting anti-Rwanda armed groups, and committing economic sabotage against Rwandan goods.

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Facilitators urge Rwanda, Uganda to resolve standoff and pave way for regional integration