A UN brokered accord has been signed by 11 african states in order to bring peace to the Democratic Re0ublic of Congo, which has been plagued by fighting between rebels and government forces.
The deal was signed in the presence of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the Ethipian capital Addis Ababa.
"The signing ceremony is significant even in itself. But it is only the beginning of a comprehensive approach that will require sustained engagement. The framework before you outlines commitments and oversight mechanisms which aim at addressing key national and regional issues," Ban said.
The agreement was signed by Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Angola, Uganda, South Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania and Congo-Brazzaville.
All countries agreed not to interfere in the DRC’s internal affairs. Rwanda and Uganda have been accused of arming and supporting M23 rebels against Congolese forces.
"The framework recognizes that a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted root causes is the only way to end instability. Any meaningful contribution toward lasting peace in the DRC and the Great Lakes region has to abandon the self-defeating practice of selectivity in both memory and responsibility regarding the known, long standing causes of recurring conflict," said Rwandan President Kagame.
"A heavy burden of responsibility falls on the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbours. Theirs is the historic task of freeing the people of the DRC and the region from tortuous history of conflict and instability, and to introduce a new future offering democracy, peace, stability progress and prosperity," said South African President Jacob Zuma.
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