Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 17th, March, 2025.
Harare, Zimbabwe.
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and stability, joining urgent calls for decisive action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the eastern, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Leading the Zambian delegation at the Joint SADC-EAC Ministerial Meeting in Harare, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, and Acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Douglas Syakalima underscored the need for swift implementation of measures agreed upon by regional leaders.
The high-level meeting, held at Zimbabwe’s New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden, convened ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to discuss urgent interventions. Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof. Aaron Murwira, emphasized that the crisis in the DRC demands immediate attention, echoing the resolutions of the Joint EAC-SADC Summit held on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
“The deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the DRC makes our gathering today both timely and necessary,” Prof. Murwira stated. “It is imperative that the commitments made by our heads of state are swiftly implemented to address the unfolding crisis.”
Representing the EAC, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, highlighted the staggering humanitarian impact, particularly on women and children. He cited UNICEF estimates indicating that renewed violence in South Kivu has displaced over 700,000 people, nearly half of them children.
“The crisis has also disrupted education, with more than 1,000 schools closed, affecting 300,000 children. In Bukavu alone, 19 schools have been converted into makeshift shelters for displaced families,” Dr. Mudavadi noted. “A ceasefire must be prioritized, and all parties must engage in dialogue as the only viable solution to ending the conflict.”
Zambia, alongside regional partners, remains committed to supporting diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to stabilize the DRC. The Joint SADC-EAC Ministerial Meeting continues to explore actionable strategies to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
The Agency.