LUSAKA: ZAMBIAN President Hakainde Hichilema has underscored the importance of unity and solidarity among countries in the Great Lakes Region in seeking solutions to the conflicts affecting the region, while investing more in economic growth, trade and self-reliance through the effective use of their natural resources.
President Hichilema made the call on October 19, 2026, while officially opening the 20th Meeting of the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee (RIMC) of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), held in Lusaka, Zambia.
He emphasised the importance of Great Lakes countries relying on their own regional mechanisms and domestic capacities to address the challenges they face, rather than depending heavily on external intervention.
President Hichilema also urged countries in the region to strengthen investment, trade and economic cooperation to stimulate continental economic growth and deliver greater benefits to their citizens. He described economic cooperation as an important complementary approach to addressing the conflicts affecting the region.
The meeting brought together foreign affairs ministers from Great Lakes countries to discuss peace, security and regional cooperation, as well as explore sustainable strategies for achieving lasting peace and stability across the region.
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Tanzania is participating in the meeting through its Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who is representing the country in discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and joint efforts to maintain peace and security.
Other Tanzanian officials accompanying Minister Kombo include Tanzania’s Ambassador to Zambia, Engineer Cyprian John Luhemeja; the Head of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Ali Bujiku; and other leaders and officials from various government institutions.
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is a regional platform dedicated to promoting peace, security, stability and development across the Great Lakes Region. Cooperation among member states remains essential to addressing shared challenges, resolving conflicts and building a foundation for sustainable regional development.
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