Inter-Congolese dialogue facilitator completes tour of SADC states

The facilitator of the inter-Congolese dialogue, former Botswanan president Ketumile Masire, has returned to his headquarters in Gabarone, Botswana following a tour of five Southern African Development Community (SADC) states, according to a press release issued by Masire’s office on Friday. During the five-day visit, Masire met with Presidents Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Sam Nujoma of Namibia, Eduardo dos Santos of Angola, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. “I briefed the heads of state on progress in the inter-Congolese dialogue and also sought their advice on the way ahead,” Masire said. Masire also informed the leaders of plans for a preparatory committee meeting for the inter-Congolese dialogue to be held in Gabarone beginning on 16 July. Issues to be discussed at the meeting include the date, venue and rules of procedure for the dialogue. Masire said the SADC leaders were supportive of his plans on how to proceed with the dialogue, and they pledged to do their utmost to help advance the DRC peace process. “I’m much encouraged by the support of the five leaders we saw,” Masire said. Masire made a similar tour of Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda in late May.