Tanzania's Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has highlighted the crucial role of women's participation in peace processes to address security challenges in the Great Lakes region, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking at a High-Level Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Kombo stressed the need for sustainable solutions to the region's security concerns. The meeting aimed to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in peace efforts.
The security situation in eastern DRC remains a concern, with women and girls facing various challenges, including displacement, sexual violence, and shortages of basic necessities. Kombo emphasized that women's participation in peace processes is essential to finding lasting solutions to these security challenges. Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which aims to increase women's participation in peace processes. This resolution recognizes the importance of women's involvement in peace and security efforts.
Tanzania has taken steps to implement the resolution by developing its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025–2029, launched on August 19, 2025. The plan aims to increase women's participation and leadership in peace and security efforts, while strengthening gender-responsive protection and recovery mechanisms. This move demonstrates Tanzania's commitment to promoting women's participation in peace and security processes.
Ambassador Kombo also highlighted Tanzania's continued participation in regional peace efforts through the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). This includes the Second-Generation Regional Action Plan and the Gender-Responsive Mediation and Coordination Strategy. Tanzania will continue working with Great Lakes countries to promote lasting peace and stability in the region.
African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, echoed Kombo's sentiments, emphasizing that women should not merely be included in peace processes but should be given the space, authority, and support needed to participate fully in decisions that shape peace. Mulamula's statement underscores the importance of empowering women to take an active role in peace and security efforts.
The High-Level Meeting on advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in the Great Lakes region brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance women's participation in peace processes. The meeting provided a platform for countries to share their experiences and strategies for promoting women's involvement in peace and security efforts. Tanzania's efforts to promote women's participation in peace and security processes are part of a broader regional initiative.
The push for women's participation in peace and security processes in the Great Lakes region is gaining momentum, with countries like Tanzania taking the lead. The region's security challenges require a collaborative approach, and women's participation is crucial to finding sustainable solutions. Key initiatives, such as Tanzania's National Action Plan, aim to increase women's participation and leadership in peace and security efforts.
Key points
- Tanzania's Foreign Minister emphasizes women's role in peace and security in the Great Lakes region.
- Tanzania launches National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025–2029.
- Women's participation in peace processes is crucial to finding sustainable solutions to security challenges in the region.
