Reported by: Samuel Ernest.
Date: 24th February, 2025.
Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia.
The 3rd session of the Zambia-Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security has officially commenced in Livingstone, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to tackling transnational crimes that threaten regional stability.
Opening the Officials’ Meeting, Zambia’s Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Mr. Maambo Hamaundu, underscored the urgency of addressing human trafficking and smuggling along the shared border. He emphasized the need for robust strategies by both countries’ defence and security institutions to curb these illicit activities, which undermine economic growth and security.
“You will agree with me that smuggling continues to deprive us of much-needed revenue. Moreover, both Zambia and Tanzania remain transit routes for human traffickers, which compromises our national security. It is, therefore, imperative that our defence and security institutions devise effective strategies to address these and other threats to peace and stability, as economic prosperity is only achievable in a stable environment,” Mr. Hamaundu stated.
He further called on delegates to leverage the platform to strengthen bilateral relations, which have remained steadfast since the era of the two nations’ founding fathers.
“I am pleased to note that our countries have sustained their cordial relations in line with the aspirations of our founding leaders. As we begin this session, I urge you all to engage openly and formulate effective strategies to tackle our shared security concerns,” he added.
Echoing these sentiments, the Permanent Secretary for Tanzania’s Ministry of Defence and National Service, Dr. Faragi Mnyepe, emphasized the importance of close collaboration in eradicating cross-border crimes.
“My brother, Mr. Hamaundu, I am pleased you highlighted human trafficking and smuggling. These are crimes that Tanzania and Zambia must combat together through a well-coordinated approach,” Dr. Mnyepe remarked.
He also reflected on the strong historical ties between the two nations, recalling the visionary leadership of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, who championed shared infrastructure such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) and the Tanzania Zambia Mafuta Pipelines Limited (TAZAMA).
“For generations to come, our people will continue to benefit from TAZARA and TAZAMA, testaments to the foresight of our founding fathers,” he noted.
The 3rd session of the Zambia-Tanzania JPC on Defence and Security will culminate in a Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday, where the Defence Ministers of both nations will further discuss and endorse strategic measures to enhance security cooperation.
The Agency.
