The President of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, has started a mobilization and recruitment campaign for new members of the African Parliamentary Union (UPA) in Lusaka, Zambia. As the President in exercise of the UPA, Sama Lukonde aims to make the organization a true continental force. He was received by Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, President of the National Assembly of Zambia, along with a delegation of senators and members of his cabinet.
During the meeting, Sama Lukonde pleaded for more active participation from Zambia in UPA activities and requested Mutti to become the organization's ambassador to convince other African parliaments to join. Mutti welcomed the initiative and pledged her support to accompany the dynamic relaunch of the UPA. The Zambian parliament has not yet become a member of the UPA.
Sama Lukonde also discussed the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been affected by aggression from Rwanda and its affiliates. He explained the vision of peace of President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, including the Washington and Doha processes, and the national inclusive dialogue. He sought Zambia's frank support as a neighboring country.
In response, Mutti reaffirmed that stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo is crucial for the entire region's stability. She recalled the reforms initiated by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, particularly in the economic sector, which require good bilateral cooperation with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The two presidents agreed to hold more meetings and noted that the Zambian parliament has become a strategic ally of the Democratic Republic of Congo within the UPA. Sama Lukonde officially invited Mutti to the upcoming UPA session in November.
The Senate President's visit to Zambia is part of his efforts to strengthen cooperation and mobilize support for the UPA. The organization aims to bring together African parliaments to promote cooperation and understanding.
The visit is also expected to enhance bilateral relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, with a focus on economic cooperation and regional stability. The two countries have a long-standing relationship, and the meeting is seen as a positive step towards strengthening ties.
Key points
- The Senate President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, begins a campaign to mobilize and recruit new members for the African Parliamentary Union (UPA) in Lusaka, Zambia.
- Sama Lukonde seeks Zambian support in addressing the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The Zambian parliament has agreed to become a strategic ally of the Democratic Republic of Congo within the UPA.
