Africa-Press – Tanzania. In a significant diplomatic achievement, Tanzanian Dr Deo Mwapinga has been appointed the new Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of Member-States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR).
The appointment follows a unanimous endorsement by the speakers of the national parliaments of the ICGLR member states.
Dr Mwapinga’s endorsement took place during the FP-ICGLR Plenary Assembly held in Luanda, Angola, on April 25, 2025.
The assembly brought together representatives from member parliaments across the Great Lakes Region to discuss peace, security and democratic governance.
A key decision was the endorsement of the Speakers’ choice for the new Secretary General.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Mwapinga conveyed his gratitude to the member states for the honour bestowed upon him. He pledged to uphold the values of the FP-ICGLR and to work towards strengthening parliamentary cooperation within the region.
“This is not only a personal honour but a recognition of Tanzania’s continued commitment to peace, stability and regional integration,” Dr Mwapinga said.
He added: ”I accept this role fully aware of the important work ahead of us. Championing peace and security, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, fostering regional integration and promoting democracy and good governance across our region.”
The FP-ICGLR serves as a platform bringing together parliaments from the 12 member states of the ICGLR. Its core mission is to support the implementation of protocols related to democracy, good governance and human rights.
As Secretary General, Dr Mwapinga will be based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and will be responsible for coordinating the forum’s programmes and activities. These include enhancing inter-parliamentary dialogue and mobilising support for the region’s crucial development goals.
Dr Mwapinga’s overwhelming support from the Speakers of the National Parliaments of the ICGLR countries reflects the trust and confidence that the region has in Tanzania’s leadership.
The position had drawn interest from Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania. However, following deliberations, the Speakers determined that Tanzania was best suited to lead the FP-ICGLR agenda for the next three years, with a possibility of renewal. This decision led Kenya and Burundi to withdraw their candidacies.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu, who led the Tanzanian delegation to Angola, hailed the appointment as a proud moment for our country’s strong diplomacy in the Great Lakes Region.
Dr Mwapinga succeeds Ambassador Onyango Kakoba from Uganda, who served as Secretary General from March 2018 until October 2024.
The appointment marks a significant moment for both Tanzania and the FP-ICGLR, signifying a new chapter in regional leadership and cooperation.
Elibarick Kingu (MP), who played a key role in bilateral engagements with parliamentarians from member states, described the election as not just a personal victory for the elected official, but a strategic gain for Tanzania as a whole. “It puts the country at the heart of decision-making in one of Africa’s most geopolitically significant regions,” he said.
The Forum of Parliaments of Member States of FP-ICGLR was established on December 4, 2008, in Kigali, Rwanda, by the Heads of States of the ICGLR. The forum plays a vital role in ensuring that the legislative bodies of member states are actively involved in regional peace and development initiatives.
The FP-ICGLR’s objectives include promoting peace and security, advancing democracy and good governance, enhancing regional integration and addressing economic development and natural resource management
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