By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Extraordinary Meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) has concluded in Livingstone, Zambia, following three days of deliberations on the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The meeting, held from January 8 to 10, 2026, brought together defence chiefs from ICGLR member states and aimed at forging a unified regional response to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
Key areas of discussion included the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), ceasefire terms, and oversight mechanisms to support peace and stability in the region.
The gathering was part of a series of engagements that also included meetings of defence experts and ministers, all focused on addressing the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.
Officiating at the closing ceremony, Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, called for an immediate end to hostilities in the conflict-hit region.
Mrs. Nalumango noted that the prolonged conflict in the eastern DRC has displaced millions of people and deprived families of opportunities for a better future.
She urged Ministers of Defence from the region to urgently find a lasting solution to end the fighting.
“We need to find a solution which has eluded generations. This extraordinary meeting needs urgent and immediate action to silence the guns,” Mrs Nalumango stated.
She added that the continued activities of armed groups have destabilised communities and forced civilians to flee their homes.
Meanwhile, ICGLR Executive Secretary Dr. Mundia Luwabelwa urged member states to prioritise ongoing peace processes aimed at resolving the conflict.
“10.5 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing fighting in the DRC,” he said.
According to a statement issued by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer Paul Shalala, Dr. Luwabelwa thanked the United States Government and the Government of Qatar for spearheading peace talks intended to restore stability in the region.
The security situation in eastern DRC remains fragile, with the activities of AFC/M23 rebels continuing to destabilise the area, particularly following the capture of Uvira, a town near the DRC–Burundi border.
The ICGLR has reiterated its commitment to curbing illicit trade, fostering dialogue among stakeholders, and promoting lasting peace and security across the Great Lakes Region.
