ZAMBIA, TANZANIA URGES DRC TO AGREE ON IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE

ZAMBIA and her neighbour Tanzania have called on the war torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to agree on an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostility in Eastern DRC.

In a joint statement issued by Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security principal public relations officer Mwaka Kalaluka and Ministry of Defence principal public relations officer Paul Shalala, the two neighbours expressed concerned over the ever deteriorating security situation in Eastern DRC.

The two countries urged DRC that the only viable path forward for all parties involved is meaningful, sustained and solution oriented dialogue.

In a communique issued at the just ended 3rd Session of the Zambia-Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission held in Livingstone from 24th to 28th February, 2025, Zambia and Tanzania also applauded the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) for convening the first ever Joint Summit of Heads of State and Government held on February 8, 2025 in Tanzania.

The meeting was aimed at restoring peace and stability and finding a lasting solution in the DRC.

“The Commission echoed calls for a ceasefire by the warring parties and dialogue by all stakeholders in order to find an amicable solution to the prevailing conflict.”

“The Commission affirmed its support to the efforts by the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation, noting that the United Republic of Tanzania was the Chairperson, while the Republic of Zambia was the Outgoing Chairperson,” read the communique in part.

According to the statement the five day Joint Permanent Commission also reviewed matters of security interest on transnational organized crimes such as smuggling, illegal migration, terrorism, human and drug trafficking, as well as cyber security.

The commission also looked at other security matters such as the weaponisation of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and space assets, proliferation of small arms and light weapons which has remained a source of concern.

“In this regard, the Commission agreed to continue cooperating and devising new strategies aimed at addressing these security threats and other vulnerabilities,” read the communique.

The Zambian delegation was led by Home Affairs and Internal Security minister Jack Mwiimbu, Acting Defence minister Douglas Syakalima, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Acting Permanent Secretary Goodson Sinyenga and Zambia’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Mathews Jere.

The Tanzanian delegation was led by the Minister of Defence and National Service Dr Stergomena Tax, accompanied by Deputy Lands minister, Housing and Human Settlements Development Geophrey Pinda, Ministry of Defence and National Service Permanent Secretary Dr Faraji Mnyepe, Ministry of Home Affairs Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Maduhu Kazi, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Deputy Permanent Secretary Lucy Kabyemera and Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia Lt Gen Mathew Mkingule.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, February 28, 2025