Civil Society Organization (CSO) Urged to Promote Peace and Security in the Great Africa Lakes Region

By Samuel Ouma

Mr Fred Oladeinde, Chairman of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network has called upon Civil society organizations to take a leading role in promoting peace within the community.

Oladeinde spoke during his recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to engage with local CSO chapter members.

His visit focused on ongoing efforts to reauthorize and strengthen AGOA, as well as commemorating the Silver Jubilee of The Foundation for Democracy in Africa's (FDA) Annual AfrICANDO, U.S. - Africa Trade & Investment Conference.

During his visit, Chairman Oladeinde addressed the Lega University Professors for Peace and Development (CPLPD) during a scientific symposium in Kinshasa.

The forum brought together professionals to debate peace, security, and human rights, with the goal of developing long-term solutions to armed conflict and restoring peace in the Great African Lakes region.

In his speech titled "A Three-Legged Stool," Oladeinde underlined the importance of civil society organizations (CSOs) in supporting stability and peace.

"I am honored and delighted to join members of The Caucus of Lega University Professors for Peace and Development today to address the state of peace, security, and human rights in the Great Africa Lakes region,” said Oladeinde.

"Civil society organizations represent the ‘third sector’ of society, distinct from government and business. We manifest the interest and will of citizens, including the family, and are the cradle of charity, advocacy, and people power.”

He urged civil society organizations to take action through education, lobbying, legislation, policy, and nonviolent protest, underlining the need of strong, accountable organizations in maintaining stability and promoting peace and prosperity.

“We need strong, responsible civil society organizations. Responsible and responsive civil society organizations are critical to peace and prosperity," he added.

Oladeinde advocated for improved communication, compromise, and accountability among government, business, and civil society in order to promote stability and peace.

He also pushed support for the AGOA Civil Society Organization Network, which was founded in 2003 to promote US-Africa trade and economic cooperation.

At the same time, he emphasized the ongoing efforts to reauthorize AGOA, as well as the significance of the DRC's status as an AGOA-eligible country.

He further urged attendees to support the mission of the AGOA CSO Network and sign the petition for AGOA’s reauthorization.

"Your voice is essential to reauthorizing and enhancing AGOA, especially considering DRC is an AGOA-eligible country. I wish you fruitful deliberations and look forward to collaborating with you on recommendations relevant to using peace to strengthen trade and economic development," he said.