Zambia and Tanzania have urged warring parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to agree to a ceasefire and end hostilities as the security situation in the eastern DRC continues to deteriorate.
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 3rd Session of the Zambia Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission, held in Livingstone from February 24 to 28, 2025, the two nations expressed concern over the ongoing conflict and commended regional efforts to restore peace.
They specifically praised 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 on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The summit aimed to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
“The Commission echoed calls for a ceasefire by the warring parties and urged all stakeholders to engage in dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” the communiqué stated.
The five-day Joint Permanent Commission also reviewed key security matters, particularly the rise in transnational organized crimes such as smuggling, illegal migration, terrorism, human and drug trafficking, and cyber threats.
Additionally, discussions focused on emerging security challenges, including the weaponization of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and space assets, as well as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which remain a major concern.
“In this regard, the Commission agreed to strengthen cooperation and develop new strategies to address these security threats and vulnerabilities,” the communiqué further stated.
This is according to a joint statement issued to RCV News by Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwala Kalaluka, and Ministry of Defense Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
RCV News
