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UNITED NATIONS, April 10-- The United Nations said Tuesday that the successful elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was crucial to peace and stability in the wider Great Lakes region of Central Africa. Credible and inclusive elections in the DRC, followed by a peaceful transfer of power, would have a positive effect on peace, stability and development in the wider Great Lakes region of Central Africa, speakers said as the Security Council debated regional developments that also included humanitarian concerns and the activities of armed groups. Said Djinnit, special envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, urged the Council "to remain united" in its support for the implementation of the Dec. 31, 2016 political agreement among Congolese political leaders under which elections would be held on Dec. 23, 2018 for a successor to President Joseph Kabila. "The Great Lakes was among Africa's most volatile and complex regions, but it was also one that could make a meaningful contribution to the continent's stability and development," he said. He encouraged the Council to keep urging the parties concerned to work toward the common goal of peace, stability and sustainable development for the region and its populations. Ignace Gata Mavita wa Lufuta, permanent representative of the DRC to the UN, said the country is undoubtedly "the nerve center" of the Great Lakes region, adding that the task at hand is to help that country regain stability so it could become a catalyst for lasting peace in the wider region. | 
