Rwanda’s Senate President François Kalinda, along with Vice Presidents Espérance Nyirahabimana and Alvera Mukabaramba, today hosted H.E. Ada Dieng, the African Union’s (AU) Special Envoy on Genocide Prevention and Mass Atrocities, at the Rwandan Senate. The discussions centered on the AU’s commitment to resolving conflicts and promoting peace and security across the continent.
Senate President Kalinda commended the African Union’s proactive approach to conflict resolution and its dedication to safeguarding peace and stability in Africa. “Your role is essential in ensuring that the African continent remains vigilant and proactive in preventing the horrors of genocide and mass atrocities,” Kalinda remarked, underscoring the shared goals of Rwanda and the AU to enhance collaborative efforts towards peace.
A key topic of the meeting was the persistent threat posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite various disarmament initiatives, the FDLR continues to undermine regional stability, presenting a significant security challenge to both Rwanda and its neighbors.
Kalinda stressed the need for stronger regional collaboration to address the ongoing challenges linked to the FDLR’s operations. “The FDLR’s resilience in the face of disarmament efforts makes it a continued threat to both Rwanda and regional security. Addressing these issues requires coordinated regional cooperation,” he stated.
H.E. Dieng acknowledged Rwanda’s concerns and reaffirmed her commitment to using her position to enhance preventive measures against genocide and mass atrocities, particularly in conflict-prone areas like the eastern DRC. She highlighted the importance of ongoing vigilance and cooperation among African nations to avert the recurrence of violence and protect vulnerable communities.
The Senate leaders expressed hope that Dieng’s role as the AU Special Envoy on Genocide Prevention will be pivotal in mitigating the risks of genocide in the eastern DRC. They emphasized the necessity of a united approach to countering threats to peace and ensuring sustainable stability in the Great Lakes region.
As the meeting concluded, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the fight against genocide and mass atrocities, demonstrating a shared dedication to advancing peace, security, and regional solidarity.
This meeting highlights Rwanda’s active engagement in fostering peace and security across Africa, particularly in regions affected by ongoing conflict.
