NAIROBI - African leaders yesterday opened a two- day summit in the Kenyan capital to discuss ways of boosting stability and development in the continent's powder keg Great Lakes region.

NAIROBI - African leaders yesterday opened a two- day summit in the Kenyan capital to discuss ways of boosting stability and development in the continent's powder keg Great Lakes region.

The second International Conference on the Great Lakes region, with a gathering of African ministers, is expected to end with the signing of a pact promoting regional peace and development.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said: "The responsibility of reconstruction of the region lies with us, the member states.

"We are now witnessing a steady march towards peace, security, stability and democracy," he said.

"Since 2004 we have seen successful democratic elections in five countries in the region. The elections in Burundi and the DRC deserve special mention for resorting to the ballot and not the bullet.

"Our brothers and sisters in the DRC deserve our continued support." - Sapa-AFP