Democratic Republic of Congo Seeks Zambian Assistance for SADC Force Deployment

Democratic Republic of Congo Seeks Zambian Assistance for SADC Force Deployment

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sought the assistance of the Zambian president in implementing a resolution related to the deployment of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) force in the DRC. The request comes in the wake of the Zambian President assuming leadership of the SADC’s cooperation organ on politics, defense, and security.

The appeal from the DRC was among the resolutions announced at the conclusion of the twelfth session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defense and Security, held between the DRC and Zambia in Lubumbashi on September 15. Over a five-day period, delegates from both nations deliberated on the security conditions between the two countries and agreed to bolster relations and enhance security along their shared border.

Zambia Pledges Support

Zambia has confirmed its commitment to backing the SADC’s efforts in seeking a lasting solution to the security issue in the region and specifically in the DRC’s eastern part. Zambia also commended the DRC’s commitment to fostering peace in the Great Lakes region and its initiatives to ease congestion and ensure the unimpeded flow of goods at the Kasumbalesa border post.

Both nations’ initiatives to boost their economies, including creating economic zones, were hailed by the commission. It expressed its desire to see both nations continue to cooperate to enhance their respective populations’ welfare. The session, which started on September 11, saw experts from the two countries discussing before ministers and delegation heads ratified the resolutions by signing the documents. The DRC was represented by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, and Customary Affairs, Peter Kazadi, while Zambia was represented by Defense Minister Ambrose Lufuma.

Pending Resolutions and Future Meetings

Some resolutions from the eleventh session of the Joint Commission have not yet been implemented. An appeal was made to the defense and security ministers of both countries to ensure the implementation of these pending resolutions, along with the newly agreed ones.

The thirteenth session of the Joint Commission is slated to take place next year in Zambia, with the precise date to be decided through diplomatic channels.

The DRC has requested Zambia’s assistance in implementing a resolution to deploy a SADC force in the DRC to address ongoing security issues. Both countries have committed to enhancing security along their shared border and have praised each other’s efforts to improve regional peace and economic development. The next meeting of the Joint Commission will take place next year in Zambia.