ICGLR celebrates three years

Throbbing drum beats characterized the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region’s 3rd anniversary celebrations at the “La Palmeraie Hotel” in Bujumbura, Burundi, on December 14, 2009, with stakeholders turning up in big numbers to toast the day.

A short drizzle that threatened to dampen the jovial atmosphere seemed only to have anointed spirits. Starting just when the first guests arrived and stopping indefinitely as other guests kept pouring in.

The big turnout at the reception spoke louder than words. There were members of diplomatic corps, members of the Burundian Government, representatives of UN agencies and development partners, not forgetting the cultural troupe comprising of colorfully clad young men and women.

Prayers from the Anglican church

With the easterly wind coolly breezing in from the nearby shores of Lake Tanganyika, the Executive Secretariat of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) led by Ambassador Liberata Mulamula together with their guests marked with pomp the third anniversary of the signing of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region.

The memorable date also marked the official establishment of the Secretariat in Bujumbura.

ICGLR Executive Secretary

Amb. Liberata Mulamula addresses the gathering

The evening took off with colorful traditional dances of a Barundi troupe that gracefully fluttered their sky blue and white robes all over the pool side of the new hotel, as their songs, drum beats and well choreographed moves won many a heart.

As the drums went quite, a succession of prayers from Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Islam leaders who had graced the ceremony followed. One after the other they led the gathering into thanking the Almighty God for the many achievements made and went on to place into His mighty hands the future of the people and organization of the Great Lakes Region.

Chief of cabinet of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Burundi government, Hon. Gaudence Sindayigaya, who was the chief guest, came next. He reminded all of how crucial the organization of the Great Lakes Region was, expressing appreciation to it and not hiding the fact that it was highly valued by the people of not only the region but also their friends and supporters.

Chief of Burundi Cabinet Hon. Gaudence Sindayigaya speaks

Ambassador Mulamula, smiling from ear to ear, was more than happy with the success of the evening. She talked about unity and milestones achieved in Burundi and underscored Burundi’s stand towards the ICGLR as a glaring example on how peace and security can be achieved and sustained.

"Burundi has showed us the way on how important it is to tackle civil strife and sustain the inherent peace and security," said Ambassador Mulamula amidst thunderous applause.

“We urge our leaders, the people and the friends of the region to ensure that the momentum for peace we have so far garnered is not lost.

“We call on the support of the development partners to assist and the region to remove the obstacles for peace and development.

“We appeal to Member States and partners to continue supporting the Conference Secretariat and ICGLR Pact as a comprehensive legal instrument through which peace, security and development can be achieved for the people and the countries of the Great Lakes Region, said the Executive Secretary.



Prayers from the Lutheran Church

She, however, noted that there still was a long way to achieve the ultimate goal of bringing durable peace, stability and sustainable development in the Region.

“Nevertheless we believe that with the support of our partners and all peace loving people we shall achieve our common vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Great Lakes Region’ Ambassador Mulamula quipped.

She said that while they were celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the signing of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region, this was an important day for the people of the Great Lakes Region.

“This is so because three years ago, on this date in 2006, the 11 leaders of the Member States of the International conference on Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) agreed to work together to transform the region into a hub of durable peace, stability and prosperity for the people and states of the Region.

prayers from the Catholic Church

Prayers from the Muslim faith

“Since May 2007, when the Secretariat of the ICGLR was established here in Bujumbura, Burundi we have worked tirelessly with the help of Member States and partners to achieve this noble goal”, she reminisced.

It was at juncture that the leader of the recently integrated rebel movement, FNL, Agathon Rwasa, coincidently, chose to suddenly appear as if a part of a play well rehearse in advance.

Hon. Rwasa’s grand entrance, under the escort of South African AU body guards complete in combat fatigue, caused quite a big stir of excitement all around.
Although the security detail surrounding Mr. Rwasa was a stark reminder that total peace in Burundi has yet to be fully enjoyed, but the presence of the FNL leader was testimony of his resistance army-turned-political-party was all out to joining hands in building sustainable

Cheers...

The US Ambassador arrives

Information Minister Hon. Hafsa Mosi received

Amb. Mulamula welcomes FNL leader Agathon Rwasa as outgoing Tanzania Ambassador to Burundi Brig. General (rtd) Francis Mndolwa looks on

ICGLR staff

The Secretariat ready to receive guests

ICGLR staff members

Cultural show

For more

CLICK HERE