Govt moves to evacuate Zambian family from Iraq as Middle East tensions escalate

Government says it is currently managing an urgent consular matter involving a Zambian family of five residing in the Kurdistan region, an autonomous region of Iraq.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, said that in light of the deteriorating security environment, arrangements have been initiated through the Mission in Cairo to facilitate their evacuation.

He told Parliament in a ministerial statement on Wednesday that efforts were also underway to ascertain the whereabouts and status of a Zambian national reported to be living in Iran.

Haimbe explained that, through coordinated engagement between the Missions in Cairo and Ankara, preparations were being made to facilitate safe transit through the nearest viable corridor, subject to prevailing security assessments.

“I wish to assure this House that the matter is being handled with the utmost urgency and due sensitivity,” he said.

He further informed the House that the government of the United Arab Emirates was providing support and temporary accommodation to stranded passengers following turmoil in the Middle East.

He said this intervention had significantly eased the impact of recent travel disruptions.

“Zambian nationals are resident across several countries within the affected regions. This includes our nationals in academic study, professional practice, private sector employment, and service within the diplomatic corps,” Haimbe said.

He added that government had not received any verified reports of injury or loss of life involving Zambian nationals due to the ongoing hostilities.

This position, he said, was based on confirmed updates from Missions in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

However, he cautioned that the situation remained fluid.

“Some of our nationals have encountered temporary travel disruptions arising from precautionary airspace closures and heightened security measures,” he said.

All Missions in affected regions have been directed to update and confirm registers of Zambian nationals, maintain constant communication with communities abroad, and submit scenario-based, costed evacuation plans.

He assured Parliament that government remained fully seized with the evolving security situation in the Middle East and continues to respond with vigilance, coordination and preparedness.

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