estoring peace and stability in the turbulent central African region”: this is the objective of the decision of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi to re-launch the Great lakes Countries Economic Community, known under its French acronym CEPGL, created in 1976 to ease trade and free movement of people in the three countries.
The economic bloc however collapsed in 1994 due to conflicts and rebellions across the region. “It is time to work hand in hand and build a better future for our respective populations”, said DR-Congo’s Foreign Minister Mbusa Nyamwisi during the three-way summit in Bujumbura, while his Rwandan counterpart Charles Murigande stated: “United we will make our region more powerful”.
It is time to work hand in hand and build a better future for our respective populations
The re-launch program includes a budget for the first year of 970,000 dollars (716,000 Euro), financed primarily by Belgium, former colonial power in the three nations, and the European Union, and the creation of an interim executive secretary. The CEPGL will also re-launch its three key institutions, the Economic and Development Bank of Great lakes countries, the Energy of Great Lakes, both based in the DR-Congo, and the Institute of Agricultural Research and Zoology in Burundi.
“The revival of economic cooperation between Rwanda, the DR-Congo and Burundi is very important for this region from an economic point of view but also from a political one. This cooperation, if well-developed, will ensure lasting piece and stability in this region”, said Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, also in Bujumbura for the occasion.
(From MISNA)