The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, meeting at its 27th Ordinary Session in Algiers, Algeria, from 27 April - 11 May 2000,

- Considering the holding in Algiers, Algeria on 30 April 2000, of the Summit on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA, President of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria and current Chairman of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU);

- Considering that the said Summit provided an opportunity for an exhaustive evaluation of the implementation of the Lusaka Accord, in the light of the latest developments in the peace process;

- Noting with satisfaction the efforts of H.E. Mr. Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA, President of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria and current Chairman of the OAU as well as those of the African Heads of State who participated at the Algiers Summit for a rapid and peaceful settlement of the conflict ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo;

- Concerned at the persistence of the state of conflict which has caused deep suffering for the civilian populace and grave violations of human rights on the territory of the DRC;

- Noting however the significant progress recorded in the Great Lakes Region and in other forums, both regional and international, in the search for a solution to the conflict in the DRC;

1. Expresses its profound appreciation to H.E. President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA for all the initiatives taken by him and strongly encourages him to pursue his laudable efforts in the search for a rapid settlement to the conflict in DRC;

2. Welcomes the results achieved by the Algiers Summit of 30 April 2000 on the Democratic Republic of Congo and expresses its conviction that these results would represent a qualitative push forward for the peace dynamics in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region;

3. Expresses its appreciation for the encouraging results achieved in the implementation of the Lusaka Accord and calls on the concerned parties to respect the cease-fire and to contribute to a successful outcome to the ongoing peace dynamics;

4. Urges all Member States of the OAU to give their full support to the peace process in DRC and to contribute actively to the restoration of peace and security to the Great Lakes Region.