Uganda hosts high-level security summit on DRC

The five-day Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) is a high level meeting of regional oversight mechanism of peace, security and co-operation framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region

The summit which kicked off Tuesday at Speke Resort Munyonyo with a meeting of senior officials will be followed by a permanent official's meet and a business forum on Thursday. It ends on Friday with a ministerial session.     

Sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting is expected to emphasise and maintain Uganda's strong leadership in dealing with the issues of regional peace and security.

Leaders are also expected to commit to the neutralisation of negative forces in the region, restoration of peace, security and stability in the DRC and mobilisation of the region and the international community towards the pacification of DRC.

Facilitation of the DRC's economic progress is the other key element that regional leaders and international actors are expected to tackle during the Kampala DRC security summit.

Political tension within DRC has increased as citizens prepare for the December 23 polls.

Already, President Joseph Kabila has announced that he will not seek re-election, casting the race for Presidency wide open.

The ruling party and Kabila have endorsed former minister, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, as their candidate.

Jean Pierre Bemba, a former warlord, has also thrown his hat in the race.