Zambia and DRC Convene 14th Joint Defence and Security Commission in Lubumbashi
Zambia–DRC Defence and Security Commission Opens in Lubumbashi to Tackle Transnational Crime and Regional Threats
The 14th Session of the Zambia–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security officially opened in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing together senior government and security officials from both countries.
In his opening address, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Maambo Haamaundu, reaffirmed Zambia’s strong commitment to sustained bilateral cooperation with the DRC.
He underscored the deep historical ties between the two nations, rooted in their shared pre-independence struggles, and emphasized the importance of joint and coordinated responses to common security challenges.
Mr Haamaundu highlighted the growing threat posed by transnational organised crimes, including smuggling, illegal migration, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. He warned that these activities continue to undermine regional stability and hinder economic development in both countries.
“These transnational crimes not only threaten our security but also compromise economic growth and social stability,” he said. He further cautioned against the rising risk of terrorism, stressing that failure to address the threat proactively could allow it to spread across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr Baelongandi Iteku Jean, Chief of Staff to the DRC Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security and Traditional Affairs, emphasized the urgency of the meeting in light of ongoing insecurity in eastern DRC. He noted that persistent armed attacks in the region have resulted in thousands of fatalities and widespread humanitarian suffering.
Describing Zambia and the DRC as “brotherly countries” bound by shared interests and values, Mr Iteku Jean called for enhanced, proactive cooperation to effectively confront regional and cross-border security threats.
The Zambian delegation comprised senior officials, including Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi, Commander of the Zambia National Service; Mr Fredirick Chilukutu, Commissioner General of the Zambia Correctional Service; Ms Charity Munganga, Deputy Inspector General of Police; and other high-ranking government representatives.
Mr Goodson Sinyenga, Director of Research and Planning, represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security during the Senior Officials’ Meeting.
The Joint Permanent Commission seeks to deepen bilateral defence and security cooperation, combat transnational crime, and develop coordinated strategies aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability in both Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
