By Philip Buda Ladu
Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, embarked on his first significant regional mission since taking office on Wednesday, departing Juba for Entebbe, Uganda.
He is representing President Salva Kiir Mayardit at the Twelfth High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region.
The summit in Kampala brings together regional leaders to address the escalating political crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, primarily driven by intensified M23 rebel activities.
Discussions are centered on validating the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework, a critical step towards fostering stability in the volatile region.
President Kiir’s decision to delegate Vice President Bol Mel for this high-profile event highlighted South Sudan’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and security across the Great Lakes region.
This commitment is viewed as a fundamental prerequisite for achieving sustainable social and economic development throughout the area.
In a statement to the media before Vice President Bol Mel’s departure, his press secretary, Oyiti Ajawin emphasized the strategic importance of South Sudan’s significant participation in the Kampala summit.
“The intent of this is to ensure that South Sudan as well as the Great Lakes region are integrated in terms of cooperation and security framework,” Ajawin stated.
He further noted that this 12th annual gathering of the Greater Lakes states is expected to “provide much clarity going forward for the security of the region.”
Ajawin also conveyed President Kiir’s profound trust in Dr. Bol Mel, affirming, “His Excellency President Salva Kiir has put full faith into Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to go about ensuring the representation of South Sudan has been cleared and clarified.”
According to him the Vice President’s schedule in Kampala is anticipated to include sideline meetings with various African heads of state, presenting a valuable opportunity for South Sudan to solidify its diplomatic presence and influence on both regional and international stages.
This marks Dr. Bol Mel’s inaugural official regional mission on behalf of President Salva Kiir.