KINSHASA — After three hours of closed-door negotiations, Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) adopted a joint declaration in Kinshasa on Saturday, reaffirming their commitment to regional stability, sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.

The declaration, read by the Congolese Minister of Regional Integration, urges member states to resolve bilateral disputes through dialogue and established regional mechanisms, while upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

In his closing address, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who currently chairs the ICGLR, thanked regional leaders for their “active participation” and constructive engagement throughout the summit.

“The recommendations and resolutions adopted are of capital importance, as they outline the contours of the future of our institution,” President Tshisekedi said.

He emphasised the need for sustained engagement, proposing that the next Summit take place in one year instead of the traditional two-year interval.

“Although our ordinary Summit is held every two years, I am convinced that it would be judicious to meet again around December 15, 2026, for an extraordinary Summit. We will then celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the ‘Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region,’ the foundation of our community,” he said.

The Kinshasa gathering marks a renewed effort by ICGLR member states to strengthen political cooperation amid ongoing security challenges in the Great Lakes region. The next summit is expected to further advance commitments toward peace, stability, and shared development.