Please read the following letter from Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada, requesting that Canada host a peacebuilding dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region of Africa.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of International Development
February 27, 2025
Re: Requesting Canada’s assistance in hosting a peacebuilding dialogue on the DRC and Great Lakes region of Africa
Dear ministers,
I am writing to echo the concerns and recommendations outlined in the letter sent to Minister Joly on February 11 by Fredrick Wangabo Mwenengabo requesting assistance from the Government of Canada in hosting a peacebuilding dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo and wider Great Lakes region of Africa. Mr. Wangabo Mwenengabo is a well-known human rights advocate in Fredericton, New Brunswick who is closely involved in peacebuilding in the region.
The DRC is under significant strain as a result of ongoing wars, genocide and forced displacement of the population, and government repression against activists who speak out. Neighbouring countries like Rwanda and Uganda also are using these oppressive and violent tactics in eastern DRC to attempt to control natural resources and territory. This is devastating for the population, particularly women and girls who face high rates of sexual violence in overcrowded refugee camps.
Mr. Wangabo Mwenengabo recently met with the Catholic Bishops of the central African Countries (ACEAC) in Burundi, where they identified opportunities to promote peace in the DRC. Peace can be pursued in the DRC by Catholic Bishops in the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda.
Mr. Wangabo Mwenengabo and the ACEAC are seeking the support of the Government of Canada in hosting their first peacebuilding dialogue in Canada. I have attached a letter from Mr. Wangabo Mwenengabo that further outlines why Canada is the country best positioned to host this first dialogue. The objective of this dialogue would be to discuss the challenges in the DRC and the Great Lakes region.
I ask that you work with Mr. Wangabo Mwenengabo to arrange this first dialogue of ACEAC to be hosted in Canada. This is a significant opportunity for Canada to wield its leverage as a peacekeeping and diplomacy-focused country for the benefit of civilians in the DRC and broader Great Lakes region.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich-Gulf Islands
Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada