Mateke chairs 14th COMESA Council of Ministers

By Samuel Sanya

STATE Minister for Regional Cooperation Hon. Philemon Mateke has reiterated Uganda's commitment to efforts of ensuring peace and security in the region.

He was addressing the 14th Meeting of the COMESA Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

This was Mateke's first assignment outside the country since he was appointed State Minister for Regional Cooperation.

Uganda is the outgoing chair of the COMESA Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and has handed over to DR Congo.

While opening the meeting, the Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ambassador Berhane Gebre-Christos called on COMESA Member States to complement the efforts of other sub regional groupings in the region and continental Union involved in peace and security to avoid duplication of efforts and institutional rivalry.

Ambassador Gebre-Christos cited terrorism as one of the serious threat facing COMESA region that required collective action to counter it.

"Terrorism threat posed by groups such as Al Shabaab, LRA and others is not only a problem of few countries but of each and every one of us," the Minister said.

"Our counter-terrorism efforts should begin from a clear understanding of this fundamental reality and demonstrate a firm commitment to individually and collectively fight the menace."

He urged the COMESA states to support the peace efforts in Somalia and continue to assist, encourage and even press parties in South Sudan when necessary in order to achieve durable peace and stability.

Addressing the Ministers, COMESA Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya said the most urgent thing was to manage and resolve existing conflicts, and ensure that the factors that led people to pick up arms are addressed comprehensively so that any conflicts that are resolved remain resolved.