The Republic of Zambia has called for urgent regional and international action to address the escalating security and humanitarian crisis 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, particularly to protect women and children who continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict.
Lt Gen Zyeele noted that the instability in the DRC has far-reaching implications for the wider Great Lakes Region, warning that continued insecurity poses a threat to regional peace and stability.
He was speaking when he officially opened the Extraordinary Meeting of the Specialised Committee of Defence Experts under the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). During the meeting, the Army Commander urged defence experts to demonstrate solidarity, compassion, and determination in responding decisively to the crisis.
“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,” Lt Gen Zyeele said.
Meanwhile, ICGLR Deputy Executive Secretary Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed said the continued activities of the AFC/M23 rebels are a major source of instability in eastern DRC. He highlighted the recent capture of Uvira, a town near the DRC–Burundi border, as a serious development that has worsened the security situation.
Ambassador Mohammed stated that the conflict has resulted in widespread human suffering, mass displacement of civilians, and significant disruption to humanitarian operations.
He called on ICGLR member states to take decisive and coordinated action to halt the escalating violence, warning that the crisis has deepened the humanitarian emergency and increased the risk of cross-border destabilisation within the region.
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