Ambassador Dr Mwapinga first met the Speaker of the Senate, Pierre Ngolo, to thank the Republic of Congo for its long-standing support to FP-ICGLR and highlight the organisation’s role in advancing parliamentary diplomacy across the Great Lakes Region.
Brazzaville. The Secretary-General of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), Dr Deo Mwapinga, this week held high-level consultations with the Republic of Congo’s parliamentary leaders, underscoring Tanzania’s commitment to regional diplomacy.
Ambassador Dr Mwapinga first met the Speaker of the Senate, Pierre Ngolo, to thank the Republic of Congo for its long-standing support to FP-ICGLR and highlight the organisation’s role in advancing parliamentary diplomacy across the Great Lakes Region.
Speaker Ngolo acknowledged the ICGLR’s efforts and stressed the need for stronger solidarity to address the region’s political, security, and humanitarian challenges.
Later, Ambassador Dr Mwapinga met the Right Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Isidore Mvouba, who assured him of continued collaboration with FP-ICGLR and confirmed that Congo would settle its arrears of one million US dollars.
“These engagements reaffirm the Republic of Congo’s commitment to FP-ICGLR’s mission and the importance of collaboration between national parliaments and the Forum in promoting peace, stability, democracy, and sustainable development,” said Dr Mwapinga.
He reassured leaders of his accountability in managing the organisation’s resources transparently and highlighted ongoing efforts to mobilise additional support from partners such as UNDP, UNFPA, and Oxfam.
Dr Mwapinga also briefed the Congolese leaders on key initiatives, including preparations for a strategic working visit by the FP-ICGLR President to member states, revisions to the Forum’s founding documents, and plans to strengthen communications and visibility.
“My vision is for FP-ICGLR to be the voice of the people of the Great Lakes Region,” he said. “Our mission goes beyond diplomacy. We aim to tackle the real challenges citizens face, including poverty, insecurity, and inequality, by working closely with national parliaments.”
He also announced upcoming initiatives such as the election observation mission to Tanzania and the Women Parliamentarians’ Conference for Peace and Development, scheduled for September next year in Tanzania.
The gathering will bring together women legislators from all 12 ICGLR Member States, regional organisations, civil society, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and influence in advancing peace and sustainable development.
“By engaging closely with national parliaments, FP-ICGLR remains connected to the people, supporting governments in developing policies that deliver tangible results,” he added.
Closing the engagements, Dr Mwapinga emphasised the collective responsibility of parliaments in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future.
“Our strength lies in unity,” he said. “If parliaments, governments, and citizens stand together, we can transform the Great Lakes Region into a beacon of peace, stability, and development for generations to come.
