Convention for Peace and Prosperity within the Great Lakes Region

Excellencies,

Dear colleagues,

I need to thank President Macron for convening this convention in Paris at a important second for the Great Lakes Region.

There is momentum for peace. Recent African and worldwide steps underline that progress is feasible. And the mediation course of by the US and Qatar produced agreements that would result in change on the bottom, if they’re applied.

And that’s the key right here – implementation. The Great Lakes have seen many agreements however not sufficient motion.

There are actually developments that go within the unsuitable route.

Armed confrontations, troop reinforcements, and hate speech don’t assist the worldwide efforts to help the area or the chances for sustainable peace.

Action means:

• The neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR);
• The full respect for the territorial integrity of DRC;
• And the withdrawal of overseas troops and tools.

And efforts to facilitate humanitarian entry and promote inclusive intra-Congolese dialogue may be small catalysts for sustainable peace.

Whatever the European Union can do to present peace an opportunity, we’ll do. I’ll offer you three examples:

First, we’ll preserve partaking with all stakeholders and all nations of the Great Lakes area to hunt diplomatic options. Be it by the shuttle diplomacy or our Special Representative for the area, contact between our delegations and conferences on the very best stage.

Second, forward of the EU-African Union Summit, we’ll preserve supporting mediation efforts led by the African Union. I need to pay tribute right here to the African Union’s mediator President Gnassingbé. For an answer to be sturdy, it must be locally-led and locally-owned. That is why now we have supplied 1 million euro to help the work of the 5 African Union-mandated mediators. We additionally foresee extra substantive technical, political and substantial help to the mediator and his crew.

Third, we’ll preserve supporting native development and financial growth, as a result of that is the surest path to peace. The European Union is a product of this methodology ourselves. We know it really works. That is why we’re engaged on many regional tasks within the Great Lakes Region, from hydroelectric dams, to frame posts, to work on pure useful resource provide chains.

A 3rd hydroelectric dam on the Ruzizi river and electrical grid between DRC, Burundi and Rwanda is an instance of what regional integration appears like in apply. Team Europe is financing round 30% of its prices. It has the potential to ship energy to tens of millions of individuals. But buyers want the combating to cease.

At the identical time, there are pressing wants.

Our precedence proper now’s to alleviate the struggling of tens of millions of individuals within the area. The EU is already the biggest humanitarian companion. We have additionally supplied necessary logistical help by transporting humanitarian items and personnel.

After the autumn of Goma, the EU organised a Humanitarian Air Bridge that transported over 500 tons of humanitarian items by aircraft to Nairobi after which onwards by truck to Goma.

But we need to do extra the place we will.

Today, along with Commissioner Lahbib, I’m happy to say that we are going to give 129 million euro of humanitarian help already this 12 months, with extra coming subsequent 12 months. This should attain the folks on the bottom. That is why the EU will do every part we will to safe the opening of Goma airport. And the EU – with its Member States – stays by and enormous the most important humanitarian donor.

Excellencies,

Colleagues,

There is not any navy resolution to the battle that may give the area the steadiness that individuals need and deserve. Recognising this straightforward fact and having the braveness to maneuver ahead is step one.

The European Union will at all times help efforts that shield the folks and uphold worldwide legislation, together with territorial integrity.

And with sturdy management from the African companions, there’s a actual likelihood to finish years of devastation and switch over a brand new leaf.

Thank you.