No Zambians Harmed in Middle East Tensions – Haimbe

Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, has informed Parliament that Government is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the Middle East while taking steps to safeguard the welfare of Zambian nationals in the region.

Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament, Haimbe said recent days had seen an escalation of military activity across parts of the Middle East and the Gulf region, including aerial and missile exchanges that have resulted in civilian injuries, infrastructure damage and temporary airspace closures.

“The situation remains fluid and subject to rapid change,” he said, adding that the Government is receiving regular updates from Zambian diplomatic missions and international partners. 

Haimbe said Government has intensified inter-ministerial coordination involving institutions responsible for foreign affairs, defence, disaster management and national security.

The initiative aims to monitor developments, assess risks to Zambian citizens, and strengthen contingency plans, including evacuation frameworks if the security situation deteriorates.

Zambian diplomatic missions in affected regions have been directed to update registers of nationals, maintain communication with Zambian communities, and prepare costed evacuation plans should the need arise. 

According to the minister, no verified reports of injury or loss of life involving Zambian nationals have been recorded so far.

The confirmation was based on updates from Zambia’s diplomatic missions in countries including Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

However, some Zambian citizens have experienced temporary travel disruptions due to precautionary airspace closures and heightened security measures in parts of the region.

Diplomatic missions have been providing consular guidance and coordinating support to ensure the safety and welfare of nationals affected by the disruptions. 

Haimbe also disclosed that Government is currently managing an urgent consular case involving a Zambian family of five living in the Kurdistan region, an autonomous area of Iraq.

Efforts are underway through Zambia’s diplomatic mission in Cairo to facilitate the family’s evacuation, while authorities are also working to confirm the whereabouts of another Zambian national reportedly residing in Iran.

Preparations for safe transit are being coordinated through Zambia’s diplomatic missions in Cairo and Ankara. 

The Ministry has issued a travel and security advisory to Zambian nationals in the Gulf region, urging them to remain vigilant, avoid military installations, follow instructions from local authorities and maintain regular contact with the nearest Zambian mission.

Citizens have also been advised to avoid non-essential travel, keep travel documents valid and confirm flight schedules directly with airlines due to temporary disruptions.

Haimbe noted that the travel situation is gradually stabilising, with airlines such as Emirates beginning phased restoration of flights in the region. 

Reaffirming Zambia’s foreign policy stance, the minister said the country remains a peace-loving and non-aligned nation that supports dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international disputes.

He added that Zambia continues to advocate for respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and adherence to international law under the United Nations.

Quoting President Hakainde Hichilema, Haimbe said: “Instability anywhere is instability everywhere,” emphasising the need for restraint and peaceful engagement among parties involved in the conflict.

Government, he said, will continue monitoring developments and stands ready to respond with further measures should the security situation worsen.