The Heads of State and Government are delighted that diplomatic steps have multiplied between the signatory countries and that good neighborly relations are improving in the region. This emerges from a statement released after the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) in february 24, 2022.
In this perspective, the Heads of State encourage Burundi and Rwanda to continue to take measures to fully normalize their relations.
The Heads of State and Government also appreciate the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Uganda and Rwanda in august 21, 2019 in Luanda (Angola) and recommend that dialogue continue between the two countries in order to address the issues in suspense. The peaceful outcomes of the recent electoral processes and the peaceful handover of power in the countries were also appreciated.
The Heads of State and Government welcome the formation of a revitalized Provisional Government of National Unity, in accordance with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, signed on 12 september 2018 in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and encourage the parties to expedite the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
The Sudanese parties are also encouraged to engage in political dialogue leading to consensus in order to organize free and transparent elections at the end of the transition period, in accordance with the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
The Heads of State and Government decide:
- to continue to dialogue and eliminate tensions by encouraging Burundi and Rwanda as well as Uganda and Rwanda to continue to dialogue in order to resolve any outstanding issues and fully restore good neighborly relations;
- quickly implement the bilateral agreements recently concluded with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations and improving good neighborly relations;
- further promote inclusive, credible and peaceful political processes that give a voice to all citizens while respecting the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms.
