“Despite the intrinsic importance of women in the smooth running of society and although they are the most affected by the consequences of conflicts, women have not always been involved in peace and security processes,” noted the Burundian Head of State and Current President of the Monitoring Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the DRC and the Region, in his speech.
His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, on this occasion, paid tribute to the Heads of State and Government of the Region who, through the signing of this agreement, recognize the essential role of women and young girls in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and economic recovery.
Returning to the consequences of the conflict in the East of the DRC which have a negative impact on the Region, the Burundian President recalled that the Heads of State of the Region have agreed to curb negative foreign forces in order to leave the Congolese an environment favorable to the peace process.
“Through this forum, a space is offered to you and a firm commitment to take into account your suggestions for the restoration and maintenance of peace in the East of the DRC and in the Great Lakes Region,” he continued before inviting women to identify the best strategies to follow in the footsteps of the Heads of State and Government and a roadmap to adopt to establish lasting peace and allow the emergence of development in the countries of the Region.
Among other speakers who took turns to speak, the delegate of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the Great Lakes Region, Ms. Fatou Thiam, also stressed that this forum must be an opportunity to adopt a timetable of priority actions for the inclusion, protection and economic empowerment of women at all levels, to reposition them in particular in the ongoing peace processes and in the consolidation of peace with a view to contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“I can assure you that the United Nations will actively contribute to the successful implementation of this Women-Peace-Security timetable in the Great Lakes once adopted,” she concluded.
The Presidency
2024-08-23 07:19:43