By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has assured the nation that no Zambian nationals have been reported injured or killed amid the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament on Wednesday, Mulambo Haimbe said Government continues to closely monitor developments in the region while prioritizing the safety of citizens abroad.
Mr. Haimbe stated that Zambian nationals are resident across several affected countries for academic, professional, diplomatic and private sector engagements.
“Allow me to state clearly that, as of this moment, Government has not received any reports verified or otherwise of injury or loss of life involving any Zambian national as a result of on-going hostilities in the regions,” he said.
He explained that this position is based on confirmed updates from Zambian Missions in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but cautioned that the situation remains fluid.
The Minister disclosed that some Zambian nationals have experienced temporary travel disruptions due to precautionary airspace closures and heightened security measures.
“In response, our Missions have remained fully engaged on the ground, providing timely guidance, facilitating consular support, and coordinating necessary assistance to ensure the safety and welfare of Zambian nationals where required,” Mr. Haimbe stated.
Mr. Haimbe further revealed that Government is handling an urgent consular matter involving a Zambian family of five residing in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
“In light of the deteriorating security environment, arrangements have been initiated through our Mission in Cairo to facilitate their evacuation,” he revealed.
He added that efforts are also underway to establish the whereabouts and status of a Zambian national believed to be resident in Iran.
“Through coordinated engagement between our Missions in Cairo and Ankara, preparations are underway to facilitate safe transit through the nearest viable corridor, subject to prevailing security assessments. I wish to assure this House that the matter is being handled with the utmost urgency and due sensitivity,” Mr. Haimbe said.
Mr. Haimbe informed Parliament that the Government of the United Arab Emirates is providing temporary accommodation and support to stranded passengers, helping ease the impact of recent travel disruptions.
He said the Ministry has since issued a Travel and Security Advisory to Zambian nationals in the Gulf region, urging them to remain vigilant, avoid military installations and key government infrastructure, comply with local authorities, avoid non-essential travel, and maintain contact with the nearest Zambian Mission.
Mr. Haimbe reiterated the country’s non-aligned position stating that Zambia is a peace-loving and non-aligned natio, therefore, it does not take sides in such conflicts.
He stressed that Zambia’s position is guided by respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, and adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law.
