Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called on Defence Ministers from the Great Lakes Region to turn regional cooperation into concrete action as insecurity in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Sudan continue to threaten stability.
Ms Nalumango was speaking when she officiated at the ordinary meeting of Ministers of Defence of the International conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Lusaka.
She said that it is the duty of the leaders entrusted with Defence and security to adopt a comprehensive and forward looking approach that addresses both traditional and emerging threats.
“It is only through collective resolve and coordinated action that we can safeguard the gains achieved and secure a peaceful and stable future for the people,” Ms Nalumango said.
Ms Nalumango further said that the rapid speed of misinformation and disinformation possesses the potential to undermine social protection and national stability if not properly managed.
She further said that a peaceful and stable future for the people can only be achieved through collective resolve and coordinated action.
ICGLR Committee of Ministers of Defence Chairperson Guy Kabombo has called for collective responsibility for peace, respect, transparency and security cooperation to prevent conflict and protect Civilians.
Mr Kabombo noted that the region has been experiencing illicit trafficking, forced displacement of the populations and an uncontrolled situation destabilising the region.
He further appealed to member countries to turn political will into actionable decisions and regional solidarity into tangible results.
Mr Kabombo added that this is to protect civilian populations and support peaceful efforts.
“I want our work to be guided by frankness, respect and above all a strong sense of collective responsibility for the lasting pacification of the region,” Mr Kabombo said.
Meanwhile, ICGLR Executive Secretary. Mubita Luwabilwa has emphasised that the decisions made by the ministers carry significant implications for the safety and dignity of millions of people in the region.
Dr Luwabilwa also disclosed that the conflict early warning and response system is progressing with situation rooms in Goma, Bujumbura and Lusaka already equipped.
He added that the system is expected to be fully operational by mid-2027 through cooperation with the African Union (AU), strengthening the region’s ability to anticipate threats.
Dr Luwabilwa has since called for solidarity, coordination, and sustained political unity among nations.
“Our region faces complex interconnected threats, in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict continuously causes immense suffering, in Sudan, war has created a humanitarian catastrophe with regional consequences,” Dr Luwabilwa said.
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