GODAZA URGES HICHILEMA TO INTERVENE TO PREVENT WAR IN DRC
The Governance and Development Advocates Zambia (GODAZA) has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to use his standing as a regional peace advocate to urgently intervene diplomatically and help prevent renewed war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
GODAZA Executive Director Elias Mulenga warned that escalating political and military tensions in the neighbouring country could threaten regional stability, disrupt cross-border trade and undermine Zambia’s strategic interests in the emerging electric vehicle industry.
Mulenga’s appeal follows reports that former DRC president Joseph Kabila has been named leader of a new politico-military movement, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation.
He said the development, involving Kabila and an alliance with AFC/M23 leaders, raised serious concerns about the prospects for peace in eastern DRC, where prolonged armed conflict has caused widespread insecurity and displacement.
Mulenga argued that Zambia could not afford to treat the situation as an internal Congolese political dispute because the consequences of renewed fighting could extend beyond the DRC’s borders.
He said President Hichilema should engage relevant regional leaders and international partners to promote dialogue, de-escalation and a peaceful resolution before tensions deteriorate further.
“President Hichilema must use his standing as a Prince of Peace to intervene personally and help prevent another devastating conflict in our region,” Mulenga said.
He stressed that peace in the DRC was not merely a diplomatic concern but also an economic necessity for Zambia, particularly as the two countries pursue opportunities in critical minerals and electric vehicle value chains.
Zambia and the DRC have significant mineral resources that could support the development of regional electric vehicle battery production and other value-added industries. However, Mulenga warned that escalating hostilities could jeopardise these ambitions by disrupting trade routes, investment confidence and mineral supply chains.
He said any breakdown in regional stability would risk undermining efforts to move beyond the export of raw materials towards local processing, manufacturing and job creation.
Mulenga called for preventive diplomacy consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter, urging regional leaders to prioritise dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes over military confrontation.
He said Zambia’s economic future was closely linked to stability across its borders and that allowing tensions to escalate could carry consequences for businesses, investors and ordinary citizens.
GODAZA urged President Hichilema to act before the situation worsens, arguing that early diplomatic engagement could help avert a wider conflict and protect the region’s shared economic ambitions.
Mulenga said safeguarding peace in the DRC was essential to protecting regional cooperation, economic development and the prospects of prosperity for citizens on both sides of the border.