By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
The 14th Session of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security has opened in Lubumbashi, DRC.
Speaking at the meeting, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, called on the two countries to intensify efforts to tackle transnational organised crimes such as smuggling, illegal migration and human trafficking.
Mr. Haamaundu, who is Co-Chairperson of the Senior Officials Meeting that opened today, said organised crime is a serious source of concern as it jeopardises national security.
The Permanent Secretary noted that terrorism is another threat that can easily spread across borders if not effectively curtailed.
“It will be important for delegates to take advantage of the session to devise strategies that would assist to curb the aforementioned vices,” he stressed.
Mr. Haamaundu reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to continued cooperation with the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure sustainable peace and security along the shared border and across the region.
Meanwhile, Democratic Republic of Congo Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security and Traditional Affairs, Iteku Jean Baelongandi, said the Joint Permanent Commission comes at a time when the DRC is facing security challenges in the eastern part of the country.
“Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are brotherly countries that share common interests and values. Therefore, it is our duty to work closely and without complacency to find solutions to the problems that plague us,” Mr. Baelongandi stated.
The Senior Officials Meeting is expected to end on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. On Thursday, the Joint Permanent Commission will culminate in a Ministerial Meeting, to be attended by Zambia’s Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma, and his DRC counterpart.
This is according to a statement issued by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
