President Kabila who punctuated his speech with humuor thanked the regional leaders who made his work as President of DRC easy saying he was also grateful to those who made it a little difficult.
President Kabila said his term in office has been a difficult and challenging journey aimed at unifying and consolidating state authority in his country.
He said the region has been a good family to the DRC and that the country appreciates the sacrifices made, some through blood offer to ensure peace in his country.
President Kabila said in order for those sacrifices not to be in vain DRC needs to consolidate on the gains made so far.
The DRC President further said his country has been rejecting any kind of blackmail and that it will be alert and steady fast.
Mr. Kabila said beyond peace and security, economic development has been top on the agenda of his administration.
He urged the SADC region to be strong and not to forget the past in as far as the regional body’s mission is concerned.
The theme of the summit which is being held at the Safari Conference Centre is “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.’’
And Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa,Vera Songwe warned that peace was expensive to buy once lost.
Dr. Songwe said the region cannot afford instability which comes as a result of inequality saying equal access to necessities was key.
She further called on the region to invest in education infrastructure for youths so that the region gains from the massive human resource which is untapped.
She commended the region for the timely theme which she said represents the challenges of the time.
Meanwhile, African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat has called on the region to harness the energy of youths if the agenda for industrialization and regional economic growth is to be achieved.
Mr. Mahamat said youths are the majority in the region hence the need to harness their energy.
He however, expressed happiness that the SADC region has mainstreamed the cause for youths in its activities.
And Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended SADC and the African Union for sending election observers to that country.
President Mnagagwa said he took it upon himself to preach peace and love before, during and after elections saying all parties campaigned freely.
President Lungu was among ten SADC Heads of State who attended the official opening of the historical summit.
African Union(AU)Chairperson, Paul Kagame who is also Republic of Rwanda President also addressed the delegates.
Others in attendance were former Presidents of Mozambique Joaquim Chisano and Namibia’s Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Kwashala ka lungu. My swiss wife was asking other day why african leaders are too clingy even when not wanted. I told her baby those are not leaders they are savages
sata,,nyo,ko what has Lungu done in Kabila’s farewell speech
He has continuously gone against the constitution and led to the deterioration of rule of law . He refuses to have an election petition heard and yet boasts od winning elections outrightly. People with small penlses act like that just like bowman
It will Never be in state house! Lungu will finish this one and the one that starts in 2021. He is a great president.
Animo farm, HH has continuously gone against the constitution? Tribals!
This brutal dictator should’ve stepped down a long time ago. He’s just curving in to pressure, not that he really wanted to leave. He has caused so much misery in the DRC. No one will miss him. Shame on him. Hopefully the next leader in the DRC will have a heart for the country and it’s beautiful people.
Kabila was so young when he took over presidence after his father was shot dead.
Mugabe is the one ruling DRC first 5 years, with Zim troops, until Joseph’s balls got harder.
We thank Mugabe that Joseph is leaving presidency alive.
He has overstayed already. He came in as a young man with an opportuniy to make a change but what did he do? Today, the DRC still remains on the list of places not advisable to travel to – Ebola has just broken out in the North East and rampage is on the order of the day in numerous villages.
Please close the door behind ….£^$^&$ off Kabila!!!
Great move Kabila.
Where is Katumbi?
Joseph Kabila must be investigated for the murder of his stepfather Laurent Desiree Kabila, and I that given an opportunity Moise Katumbi Chapwe can do it
THIS NOT KABLA
Kabila has played a fast one by barring Katumbi and allowing Biemba to compete against Kabilas anointed. Let’s hope it turns out like the Mwanawasa v FTJ scenario.