Kigali — Defence Minister, Gen. Marcel Gatsinzi and RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. James Kabarebe are expected in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a regional defence and security meeting slated this Friday.
According to defence spokesperson Major Jill Rutaremara, the meeting will take place under the auspices of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL), a grouping that brings together Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC.
Rutaremara said that Goma meeting will aim at exchanging information on the security situation in CEPGL as well as different initiatives aimed at enhancing peace and security in the region.
"The meeting will enhance the good relations between the Defence and military establishments of CEPGL member states and revive the framework through which the Defence and Security ministers can meet and deliberate on various Defence and Security issues facing the region as well as the various areas of cooperation," reads part of a release from the Ministry of Defence.
The meeting was institutionalized during the Heads of State Summit that was held in Gbadolite, DRC on November 27, 1994.
Meanwhile, a team of experts from the three countries is scheduled to meet for the technical work and the Rwandan team will be led by Brig Gen Jacque Musemakweli.
Despite the existence of several armed groups in DRC, the meeting comes at a time when the three countries are enjoying good relations, which resulted in to the revival of CEPEGL which had not been functioning for over a decade.
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Talking about regional defence and security is good but being realistic about what is happening on the land will be wise instead. Gen. James Kabarebe is one of the leading commander insiting some of the exactions committed in DRCongo. While pretending to chase Hutus rebels a lot of crimes and looting are being perpetrated in the Kivu province and James Kabarebe is well aware of this. This is the man who is trying to control the entire CPGL region militarily and who knows every single rebel fraction. He was Nkunda Bantware's mentor and now because of African impunity policy he feels himself free to speak about regional security as a matter of formality. All those so called meeting are just like "picnic" but not for the community welfare. A single meeting like this will be another opportunity for Joseph Kabila to pass him all treasory money and equipment on his way back. The good relation between the three countries is being enjoyed by the governments but not the population. Africa needs strong institutions for good control and prosperity instead of little business men conference.