DRC conflicts pose a threat to COMESA- Lufuma

By Ellen Hambuba

Defence Minister AMBROSE LUFUMA says the continued conflicts in the Eastern DRC continues to pose a threat to COMESA regional Integration agenda.

Mr. LUFUMA disclosed this when he addressed the 19th Meeting of the COMESA Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in Bujumbura, Burundi to assess the peace and security situation in the COMESA region.

He noted that conflict in the DRC highlights the urgent need to address the threat in a comprehensive manner.

Mr. LUFUMA also said the ongoing conflict in SUDAN is posing a serious humanitarian crisis.

He said ZAMBIA is calling for continued dialogue amongst the warring parties and a cessation of hostilities for possible identification of win-win solutions.

And Mr. LUFUMA congratulated MALAWI and KENYA for volunteering to undergo the country’s structural vulnerability and resilience Assessment process that will help member states identify the root cause of conflict in the two warring countries.

And COMESA Secretary General CHILESHE KAPWEPWE disclosed that the situation of peace and security in the COMESA Region remains volatile arising from relapses of conflicts in other areas which warrants attention.

And BURUNDI Foreign Affairs Minister ALBERT SHINGIRO called on COMESA member states to promote peace and security in order to enhance development in the region.