On November 3, 2026, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, as Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL), met with CIRGL Executive Secretary Dr. Mubita Luwabelwa. The meeting focused on the organization's functioning and its role in promoting peace, security, stability, and development in the Great Lakes region. As the DRC assumed the CIRGL chairmanship after Angola, this meeting marked the beginning of the DRC's leadership.
The discussions covered various challenges facing the region, including the fight against illegal exploitation of natural resources, institutional reforms, and enhanced regional and judicial cooperation. The two leaders also reviewed the organization's priorities for 2026-2027. Dr. Luwabelwa stated that President Tshisekedi provided guidance on addressing these challenges and emphasized the importance of achieving concrete results during the DRC's chairmanship.
President Tshisekedi has vowed to prioritize results-oriented leadership during the DRC's two-year term as CIRGL chair. He established a strategic orientation panel within his cabinet to oversee the DRC's leadership of the CIRGL. The panel aims to ensure effective and efficient management of the organization's activities. The DRC's chairmanship is built on the theme of "Consolidating peace and security for sustainable development in the Great Lakes region."
The CIRGL is an intergovernmental organization comprising 12 member states: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. The organization was created to address regional crises and promote peace, security, and development. President Tshisekedi assumed the CIRGL chairmanship after attending the 9th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.
During the meeting, Dr. Luwabelwa revealed that President Tshisekedi provided instructions on key priorities, including holding the next CIRGL Troika meeting. The exact date of the meeting will be communicated soon. The two leaders emphasized the importance of a detailed roadmap for achieving the organization's objectives. The DRC's leadership of the CIRGL is expected to focus on peace, non-aggression, respect for sovereignty, security, and regional development.
President Tshisekedi has promised to exercise the DRC's leadership with humility and determination. He acknowledged the trust placed in the DRC and vowed to work with his peers, particularly the Troika, to achieve the organization's goals. The CIRGL has been working to address regional security challenges and promote cooperation among member states.
The meeting between President Tshisekedi and Dr. Luwabelwa marked a significant step in the DRC's leadership of the CIRGL. The two leaders' discussions will guide the organization's activities for 2026-2027. The DRC's chairmanship is expected to bring about concrete results in promoting peace, security, and development in the Great Lakes region.
Key points
- President Félix Tshisekedi meets with CIRGL Executive Secretary Dr. Mubita Luwabelwa to discuss organization priorities.
