By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia has called for urgent action to address the escalating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele said the situation in eastern DRC remains precarious and requires immediate attention to protect women and children who have been caught up in the fighting.
Lt Gen Zyeele stated that the conflict in the DRC has far-reaching implications for the entire Great Lakes region.
He urged defence experts to demonstrate solidarity, compassion and determination in acting decisively on the matter.
Lt Gen Zyeele was speaking when he opened the Extraordinary Meeting of the Specialized Committee of Defence Experts of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), being held in Zambia.
“Another critical task before us today is the reconsideration of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism and the terms of reference for the Ceasefire Oversight and Monitoring Mechanism signed in Doha.”
“Let us ensure that the oversight remains credible, impartial and effective,” he said.
Meanwhile, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Deputy Executive Secretary, Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, said the activities of the AFC/M23 rebels continue to destabilize the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly following the capture of Uvira, a town near the DRC–Burundi border.
“The conflict has caused immense human suffering, mass displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations,” Ambassador Mohammed noted.
He called on member states to take decisive action to halt the escalation, which has deepened the humanitarian crisis and heightened the risk of cross-border destabilization.
Zambia is hosting a high-level ministerial meeting aimed at addressing the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The meeting has brought together Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Staff from countries that are members of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.
The three-day meeting is taking place from January 8 to 10, 2026, in Livingstone, Zambia.
This is according to a statement issued by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
