By Caroline Nakire
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the need for dialogue as the only viable solution to the longstanding conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), urging parties involved to abandon threats and hostilities and pursue peaceful negotiations.
The President made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with the European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, Mr Johan Borgstam, at State House, Entebbe.
The discussions focused on regional peace and security, particularly the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which continues to affect communities in the region.
President Museveni said the suffering of the Congolese people could only be addressed through dialogue, emphasising that continued hostilities would not resolve the conflict.
“The only solution is talk. Stop all these threats and wars and everything else and talk, because it is unfair that the people of Congo are suffering because of this stubbornness to refuse to talk,” he said.
He further emphasised that the people of the DRC deserve peace and the opportunity to determine their future through peaceful political processes.
Mr Borgstam commended President Museveni for his experience and engagement in regional affairs, saying the EU delegation had come to seek his guidance on the challenges affecting the Great Lakes region.
“We have come to seek your advice and get a full analysis from you as the regional father who is wise and experienced,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek; the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Uganda, H.E. Eole Sury; and Mr Tristan Terryn, Political Adviser to the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region.