26 October 2022
Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to begin by thanking the Special Envoy for his briefing, as well as the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission for the written advice provided to the Council, and welcome the presence of the representatives of South Africa, Ruanda and Burundi in this meeting.
Albania supports the United Nations’ regional strategy for the Great Lakes, and the Special Envoy Xia in his efforts.
Allow me to stress three points:
First, Albania remains extremely concerned about the fragile security situation in the Great Lakes Region, despite the continuation of the diplomatic outreach and dialogue. The activities of armed groups, mainly in the east of DRC, have a devastating impact on the civilian population, and undermine the encouraging efforts of the countries of the region. These activities should stop and respect for human rights and humanitarian law are vital.
Second, Albania commends the positive trend to promote peace through the Nairobi and Luanda processes, as well as the efforts to ensure the proper coordination between them.
In this vein, we acknowledge the initiatives for rapprochement between Burundi and Ruanda, Ruanda and Uganda, and mainly between DRC and Ruanda, as well as the several meetings of Joint Permanent Commission, which led to the signing of several agreements.
In addition to that, countries of the region should not underestimate the need for regional integration, especially to maximize profits from the increased demand for critical minerals, while also pursuing economic diversification. We are encouraged by the continued efforts to counter the illegal exploitation of natural resources as one of the root causes of regional instability, but more needs to be done to implement the recommendations of the 2021 Khartoum workshop on natural resources.
Third, the regional efforts to promote peace and security need careful attention and support. The military track of the Nairobi process cannot be the only solution to tackle the root causes of conflict. A much more comprehensive political track is necessary. Women and youth engagement in the ongoing dialogue and confidence-building initiatives are example of the required components the strategy should rest on.
Albania welcomes the progress in making the CCG (Contact and Coordination Group) operational. This cell has turned into an important tool to dismantle the networks of foreign armed groups.
In line with trust building, we welcome the public statements by national authorities condemning the dissemination of hate speech and share the call of Secretary General on authorities to ensure accountability for violations and to strengthen legal frameworks on hate speech.
An additional pillar to be advanced through regional cooperation is transitional justice. We commend the adoption of the Kinshasa Declaration on Enhancing Judicial Cooperation. This decision sets new standards in mutual legal assistance at the regional level, and we hope to see the timely implementation of the priorities in order to fight against impunity.
In conclusion, allow me to reiterate our appreciation for the work of the Special Envoy, who in cooperation with the Head of MONUSCO, has been a strong advocate for peace and for implementing the PSC Framework.
Thank you.
