Victoria Falls: The peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was the focal point of a meeting held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, involving Carolina Cerqueira, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and Isaac Jean Claude Tshilumba, the first vice Speaker of the National Assembly of the DRC. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 57th Plenary Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Carolina Cerqueira received comprehensive information regarding the ongoing peace efforts in the DRC, including progress made and challenges faced in achieving lasting peace. The meeting also highlighted the results of a recent mission led by the president of the Togolese parliament, who engaged in discussions with local authorities, civil society members, and political parties in Kinshasa.
Isaac Jean Claude Tshilumba expressed gratitude to Angola, particularly President Joo Louren§o, for the support provided during his tenure as the African Union-appointed mediator. He emphasized the DRC parliament’s commitment to enhancing the functional structure and human resources of the Parliamentary Forum of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), headquartered in Kinshasa and led by Carolina Cerqueira.
Carolina Cerqueira reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to supporting the peace process in the DRC, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Additionally, Carolina Cerqueira met with Deo Osmund Mwapinga, the Secretary-General of the Parliamentary Forum of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. Mwapinga expressed appreciation for Angola’s contributions during the organization’s 15th plenary session in Luanda and provided insights into the forum’s operational framework.
Angola’s participation in the 57th Plenary Session of the FP-SADC was marked by a delegation led by Carolina Cerqueira and included deputies Ruth Mendes, Teresa Neto, Lusa Damio, Pedro Sebastio, and Diamantino Mussokola.