Ministerial Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
21 August 2007
Minister Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Co-operation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
honourable Ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of
South Africa, it is indeed an honour to be present on this occasion to mark the
fourth anniversary of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) of our two countries.
This session of the BNC is particularly important because it is the first
meeting after the successful democratic elections of the DRC. In this regard we
wish to congratulate you most heartily on your outstanding achievement.
On this occasion it is appropriate for me to recall the inspiring and
prophetic words of a great son of Africa, Patrice Emery Lumumba, who in a
letter to his wife, wrote, and I quote: "I know and I feel in my heart that
sooner or later my people will rid themselves of all their enemies, both
internal and external, and that they will rise as one man to say no to the
degradation and shame of colonialism and regain their dignity in the clear
light of the sun." These words should inspire and compel us to redouble our
efforts to work with speed to overcome the challenges facing us.
Ces paroles devraient nous inspirer et nous pousser � redoubler d�effort
pour travailler rapidement � surmonter les d�fis qui sont devant nous.
Clearly the task that faces us in this fourth Bi-National Commission is to
evaluate and assess the progress we are making, and in accordance with
instructions we have received from both our Presidents, Joseph Kabila and Thabo
Mbeki, that we prioritise areas of our focus in order to speedily make an
impact in the post conflict reconstruction and development of the Congo. With
this in mind, we should endorse the recommendation that we begin a process of
reviewing the existing agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs). We
should review the work we are doing in building the human resources and
institutional capacity.
The government programme of the DRC outlines the priorities for us and these
are water and electricity, housing, health, education, employment and
infrastructure, with the overarching reform of the security sector and issues
related to gender equality. In focusing on these priorities it is important to
take stock of all the work that we have embarked on since our first Bi-National
of August 2004. Please allow me to deal with a few areas.
It should be worrying that not all agreements are really operational, even
though there is an understanding that the DRC is just emerging from a difficult
period of transition. In my opinion, our duty should be to carefully scrutinise
all the agreements we have reached with a view to operationalise those that are
not functioning, taking into account the priorities as set out by the DRC
Government.
In our collaboration so far, we have had a number of achievements amongst
which are successful studies on the feasibility of SDIs (Spatial Development
Initiatives). Already the study conducted on our behalf by experts on the
feasibility of the Bas-Congo SDI, require our commitment in ensuring
implementation. We have also been able to work together in the establishment of
a Diplomatic Academy, and on the training of immigration officers. Also
progressing well is our collaboration in the areas of security sector reform,
health, education, transport, etc. It is gratifying to note that during this
BNC, we will sign two new agreements on transport and health related matters.
Progress has equally been made in the census of the public service. One cannot
underestimate the important contribution that an effective public service will
have in assisting the people of the Congo in addressing poverty reduction and
underdevelopment.
Des avanc�es ont �galement �t� r�alis�es dans le cadre du recensement des
agents et fonctionnaires de l�Etat. Nul ne peut sous-estimer l�importante
contribution qu�un service public efficace peut apporter en aidant le peuple
congolais � faire face aux probl�mes de r�duction de la pauvret� et du
sous-d�veloppement.
The establishment of Local and Provincial Governments structures will be
crucial for effective service delivery to all. In this regard the
implementation of the proposed decentralisation law will be critical. However,
despite our modest successes, enormous challenges still remain. This includes,
amongst others, the security and stability in the east, transport and energy
infrastructure.
We welcome current efforts to revive the Economic Community of the Great
Lakes Region (CEPGL) and the establishment of a mechanism to regulate natural
and mineral resources. This will go a long way in stabilising this volatile
region.
Nous aimerions f�liciter le peuple congolais pour son profond attachement �
l��galit� des sexes. Notre point de vue est que si un tel engagement est
vigoureusement maintenu, il va contribuer de fa�on significative � lib�rer les
energies de l�ensemble du peuple congolais pour relever les multiples d�fis
auxquels il est confront�.
We wish to congratulate the People of the Congo for its strong commitment to
gender equality. It is also our view that this commitment, if pursued with
vigour, will contribute significantly to releasing the energy of all of the
People of the Congo to tackle these many challenges. Dear Colleagues, the BNC
gives us the opportunity to roll up our sleeves and work. We are conscious of
the difficulties confronting us, such as limited financial resources. This
compels us to prioritise and focus. Let me again return to the letter of
Patrice Lubumba where he states in conclusion of the remarks I quoted earlier
"History will one day have its say. I know that my country, which is suffering
so much will know how to defend its independence and its liberty. Long Live the
Congo. Long Live Africa."
Je vous remercie
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
21 August 2007
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs (http://www.dfa.gov.za/)
