Zambia and Tanzania have called on the warring parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to agree on a ceasefire and cease hostilities.
The two countries are concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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, the two countries commended 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 which was held on 8th February, 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and 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.
The five-day Joint Permanent Commission also reviewed matters of security interest especially transnational organised crimes which include 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,” reads the communique.
The Zambian delegation was led by Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, SC, MP, who was accompanied by Acting Minister of Defense Hon. Dr. Douglas Siakalima, MP, Ministry of Defense Permanent Secretary Mr. Maambo Haamaundu, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. Goodson Sinyenga and Zambia’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Mr. Mathews Jere.
The Tanzanian delegation was led by the Minister of Defence and National Service Hon. Dr. Stergomena Tax, MP, who was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Hon. Geophrey Pinda, MP, 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 Ms. Lucy Kabyemera and Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia Lt Gen Mathew Mkingule.
This is contained in a joint statement issued by Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwala Kalaluka, and Ministry of Defense Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
