Congolese Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Jacquemain Shabani, noted that the meeting of the organization’s leaders is taking place at a crucial moment, and the intention is to seek solutions to the challenges the region is facing in several areas.

“Peace, security, and development in our States are essential conditions so that our region contributes effectively to the development of Africa, particularly in the resource-rich mining sector,” Shabani stated, according to Radio Okapi station.

The minister added that these resources should boost cutting-edge industries and keep pace with the global economy; hence, the issue was discussed with regional experts in previous days.

The ICGLR summit is expected to define new guidelines for strengthening stability, security, and sustainable development in the region, which is marked by armed conflicts in three member countries: the DRC, Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

The theme chosen for this 9th summit is “Consolidating Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Countries.”

The DRC will assume, during its sessions, the presidency of the organization, currently held by Angola.

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