By SYLVESTER MWALE in Luanda, Angola –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on leaders in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to stick to principles of democracy and constitutionalism to prevent conflicts in the region.

. Lungu

President Lungu has urged member states of the ICGLR to collectively deliberate and agree on lasting solutions to end conflict and uphold democracy in the region.
Mr Lungu said when he gave his maiden speech as head of State at yesterday’s extraordinary summit here that conflicts could only be prevented if leaders are fair and confront the root causes besetting the region.
“When we act fairly and play by the rules as leaders, we shall surely prevent the many conflicts that afflict our region today,” said Mr Lungu.
The summit was attended by six heads of State from the ICGLR as well as President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.
The ICGLR is currently witnessing some turbulent periods with about five of its members struggling with insecurity and humantarian situations. The latest is Burundi where more than 100,000 people have been forced out of the country due to protests that were sparked by President Pierre Nkuruzinza’s bid to run for a third term.
Mr Lungu called on regional leaders to continue to strive in search of sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the region.
“But this can only be realised if we honestly and frankly confront the root causes of the conflicts besetting the region,” he said.
“The endless migratory trends of our people, trekking from place to place in search of safety, peace and stability is hard to imagine in the 21st century.
Mr Lungu said the unbearable pain and permanent injuries suffered by citizens as they run away from conflicts in their countries should impact on the conscience of their leaders.
He paid a special tribute to the Zambian people for maintaining peace and unity, before, during and after the general elections in January this year.
“Let me, once again, re-affirm Zambia’s commitment to the great lakes region, and the pact we signed on peace and stability, and pledge that Zambia will continue to support the effective approaches and initiatives at resolving conflicts in any of our member states under the agreed regional framework,” he said.
Earlier, Angolan President Eduardo Dos Santos who is also chairperson of the ICGLR said when he opened the summit that the current situation in the region is worrying.
Mr Do Santos saluted the army loyal to the government in Burundi for thwarting the attempted coup last week and called for quick dialogue that could facilitate legitimate elections in a transparent manner.
He also welcomed progress made in the Central African Republic and urged the African Union and the United Nations to seek peaceful solutions to conflict in South Sudan.
“I also invite all to face terrorism with seriousness, the massacre of 158 people by the Al Shabbab (in Kenya) should be condemned vehemently, let us strengthen and fight terrorism and let the defence forces and intelligence in the region work together and beyond border,” he said.