The Fourth annual meeting of the Specialised Committee of Defence Experts on the Great Lakes Region has been convened in Lusaka to address regional security challenges and evaluate defence mechanisms.
During the opening of the three day meeting of Ministers of Defence, Zambia Army Commander, Geoffrey Zyeele tasked the Great Lakes Region member states to strengthen implementation of regional security and humanitarian initiatives to address persistent conflicts and emerging threats.
Lieutenant General Zyeele emphasised on peace, security and regional cooperation among defence experts from the Great Lakes Region.
“The ICGLR outlines a structured, multi – level approach to regional security, integrating technical expertise, military leadership and strategic policy guidance to foster collective action and peace in the Great Lakes Region,” Lieutenant General Zyeele said.
He also highlighted some of the critical security threats currently impacting the Great Lakes Region and surrounding areas.
Lieutenant General Zyeele said that the ongoing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains a primary concern.
He further said that the war in Sudan has resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, prompting high – level consultations by ICGLR held last month.
“Security instability persists in South Sudan due to localised violence and intercommunal clashes, while the Central African Republic requires continued diplomatic attention.
ICGLR Deputy Executive Secretary Amb Yasir Mohammed says that the Great Lakes Region continues to face complex and interconnected security challenges to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the ICGLR continues to be concerned about these atrocities committed against civilians.
Mr Mohammed added that the ICGLR is working to provide impartial verification and confidence building measures.
“Your deliberations will consolidate member states’ security updates, review humanitarian challenges and provide recommendations to guide the Chiefs of Defence Forces and Ministers of Defence,” Mr Mohammed said.
ICGLR Specialised Committee of Defence Experts Chairperson Emmanuel Kasenga says that the specialised experts meeting will also focus on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Brigadier General Kasenga added that a report will be done and forwarded to all the leaders of the member states.
“In order for us to put into practice a surveillance system in the Eastern side of DRC, this situation will be our focus of examination during this meeting, your combined intelligence and expertise will help us come up with a report that will be distributed to member countries,” he said.
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