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"id": 1556444,
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
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"content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I would like to comment as I was in the Lounge when the Mover of the Motion, Commissioner Wahome Wamatinga, was moving the Motion. As I rise to second the Motion on the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference of the Great Lakes region that took place last year - 15th to 19th April, 2024 - I agree that he has highlighted several challenges that we face as a region. As someone once said, African problems require African solutions. In this Great Lakes region, he has brought attention to various challenges, including the situation in DRC Congo involving the M23 and the reaction from Rwanda. Furthermore, we are addressing the crisis in South Sudan. His Excellency President William Ruto appointed the former Prime Minister to mediate between Salva Kiir Mayardit and the First Vice-President, Riek Machar. Mr. Speaker, Sir, South Sudan is an interesting country with a unique arrangement, featuring almost six or perhaps five, vice-presidents. I hope that Kenya can, in the future, adopt a similar system where regions are represented by vice-presidents. This arrangement is driven by South Sudan's power-sharing and peace agreements. The killing of a general has triggered a crisis in South Sudan. Kenya suffers collateral damage due to instability in the region. Kenya hosts one of the largest refugee camps, Kakuma, in this area. Therefore, when instability arises in South Sudan, it directly impacts Kenya with an influx of refugees. Not only South Sudan, but nowadays we also see fighting in the main Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). We continue to face significant challenges in that region. Therefore, peace and security in the Great Lakes region remain essential for development and investment. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we must reevaluate this region. For example, in DRC Congo, there is ongoing fighting between rebel forces and the government. We witnessed the meeting that took place in Qatar between President Tshisekedi and President Kagame. However, it appears that the process is progressing rather slowly. Stability in this region, particularly in the Great Lakes region, is crucial because it is unique. We have a truly unique climate in the Great Lakes region. The rainforest stretches from the Central African Republic all the way to DRC Congo, showcasing the region's ecological richness. Additionally, we need to reconsider the issue of minerals in this region. There have been allegations that the fighting in Sudan is linked to unsubstantiated claims about minerals. There is also the issue of oil. This Great Lakes region possesses unique characteristics that need to be redefined. As noted in the recommendations of this report, we need to take part in appropriating the necessary resources. As a Parliament, we are involved in many of these organizations, including the secretariat of the Great Lakes region. Additionally, we are members of the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC) that includes countries like DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and others are part of this ongoing conversation. Earlier this year, we visited the East African Secretariat in Arusha. They are doing a commendable job. You must also take into account the transport network. Countries like Rwanda, Burundi and others rely heavily on this network, particularly the Northern The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}