Zambia Urges Immediate Action on Insecurity in Eastern DRC
Zambia has called for urgent action to address the escalating security and humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele, described the situation in the eastern DRC as “precarious” and stressed the need for prompt measures to protect women and children affected by the conflict.
He highlighted the wider implications of the unrest for the stability of the Great Lakes region.
Speaking at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Specialised Committee of Defence Experts of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Lt Gen Zyeele urged defence experts to demonstrate solidarity and act decisively.
He emphasised the importance of reviewing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism and the Ceasefire Oversight and Monitoring Mechanism to ensure oversight remains credible, impartial, and effective.
ICGLR Deputy Executive Secretary, Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, warned that the activities of the AFC/M23 rebels, including the capture of Uvira near the DRC-Burundi border, continue to destabilise the region.
He called on member states to take decisive action to halt the escalation, curb human suffering, and prevent further cross-border destabilisation.
