Zambia has pledged continued backing for President Mnangagwa as he leads SADC efforts to strengthen peace and security across the entire region. The Zambian government expressed strong support for his leadership role and acknowledged the importance of regional stability initiatives. The 34th meeting of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security recently concluded at Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe served as the host country for these important bilateral discussions about shared security concerns.
Lovemore Matuke, Minister of State for National Security, headed the Zimbabwean team at these talks. He attended with Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri plus Permanent Secretaries Aaron Nhepera and Ambassador Raphael Faranisi. Acting Defence Minister Dr. Douglas Syakalima led the Zambian representatives during the discussions. His delegation included Minister Jacob Jack Mwiimbu from Home Affairs and Internal Security, Permanent Secretaries Maambo Haamaundu and Goodson Sinyenga, plus Ambassador Derrick Livune from the Zambian embassy.
Following the meetings, both Minister Matuke and Minister Syakalima released a shared statement. They confirmed that Zambia, which serves on the SADC Organ Troika for Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, fully supports President Mnangagwa's peace initiatives as the current Chair of the regional organization. The Zambian representatives congratulated President Mnangagwa on his recent appointment as SADC Chairperson. As active members of the regional security cooperation structure, they promised continued Zambian assistance for all their efforts to maintain regional peace.
According to the Commission, most areas across the region enjoy peace and stability currently. They specifically praised President Mnangagwa for his direct involvement and leadership in peace initiatives addressing conflicts that affect the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Commission members expressed serious concerns about numerous security challenges affecting certain countries. These problems include terrorism, cross-border crimes, wildlife poaching, illegal migration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and related activities.
Both nations agreed to develop fresh approaches for addressing these dangers through continued cooperation. They specifically highlighted worsening security and humanitarian situations facing eastern Congo as particularly troubling. Both ministers reported that the Commission urged coordinated actions to restore peaceful conditions throughout Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province. The statement emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address ongoing challenges there.
Commission members praised Zimbabwe, along with several neighboring countries, for conducting successful elections since their previous meeting. These nations included Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa. All these countries completed electoral processes since the 33rd Session held back in 2022. The Commission demanded the complete elimination of international sanctions against Zimbabwe without any preconditions. Ministers noted appreciation for Zimbabwe's diplomatic engagement strategies and recognized the strong solidarity shown by SADC members and allied nations.
Lovemore Matuke, Minister of State for National Security, headed the Zimbabwean team at these talks. He attended with Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri plus Permanent Secretaries Aaron Nhepera and Ambassador Raphael Faranisi. Acting Defence Minister Dr. Douglas Syakalima led the Zambian representatives during the discussions. His delegation included Minister Jacob Jack Mwiimbu from Home Affairs and Internal Security, Permanent Secretaries Maambo Haamaundu and Goodson Sinyenga, plus Ambassador Derrick Livune from the Zambian embassy.
Following the meetings, both Minister Matuke and Minister Syakalima released a shared statement. They confirmed that Zambia, which serves on the SADC Organ Troika for Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, fully supports President Mnangagwa's peace initiatives as the current Chair of the regional organization. The Zambian representatives congratulated President Mnangagwa on his recent appointment as SADC Chairperson. As active members of the regional security cooperation structure, they promised continued Zambian assistance for all their efforts to maintain regional peace.
According to the Commission, most areas across the region enjoy peace and stability currently. They specifically praised President Mnangagwa for his direct involvement and leadership in peace initiatives addressing conflicts that affect the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Commission members expressed serious concerns about numerous security challenges affecting certain countries. These problems include terrorism, cross-border crimes, wildlife poaching, illegal migration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and related activities.
Both nations agreed to develop fresh approaches for addressing these dangers through continued cooperation. They specifically highlighted worsening security and humanitarian situations facing eastern Congo as particularly troubling. Both ministers reported that the Commission urged coordinated actions to restore peaceful conditions throughout Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province. The statement emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address ongoing challenges there.
Commission members praised Zimbabwe, along with several neighboring countries, for conducting successful elections since their previous meeting. These nations included Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa. All these countries completed electoral processes since the 33rd Session held back in 2022. The Commission demanded the complete elimination of international sanctions against Zimbabwe without any preconditions. Ministers noted appreciation for Zimbabwe's diplomatic engagement strategies and recognized the strong solidarity shown by SADC members and allied nations.
