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Malawi and Zambia have reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, security and cooperation following the 20th Session of the Malawi–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS), held from December 14 to 18, 2025, in Salima, Malawi.
At the close of the session, Malawi’s Minister of Defence, Chimwemwe Chipungu, said the talks underscored the deep trust and shared security interests between the two countries.
“This Commission remains a vital platform for safeguarding the peace and stability our peoples enjoy. Malawi and Zambia are united in confronting emerging security threats and strengthening cooperation between our defence and security institutions,” he said in a statement issued on Thursday.
The Malawian delegation included Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito, Principal Secretary for Defence Elvis Thodi, senior Homeland Security officials, and Malawi’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Margaret Kamoto.
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Zambia was represented by Minister of Defence Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma, who described the bilateral relationship as “a model of peaceful coexistence and practical cooperation in the region.”
Both countries expressed gratitude to Malawi President, Arthur Peter Mutharika, and Zambia President, Hakainde Hichilema for their support, noting that the session was successfully convened despite global fiscal pressures and climate-related challenges.
Zambia congratulated Malawi on the peaceful conduct of its 2025 General Elections and President Mutharika’s re-election, while Malawi extended best wishes to Zambia ahead of its 2026 elections.
The Commission also recognised Malawi’s chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, with Zambia pledging full support. Condolences were conveyed following the death of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Reviewing progress since the 19th Session held in 2024, the Commission commended the implementation of previous resolutions but noted persistent and emerging threats, including cybercrime, terrorism, transnational crime, illegal migration, fuel smuggling, human and drug trafficking, and the illegal trade in wildlife and forest products.
Both countries agreed to sustain joint operations, strengthen information-sharing mechanisms and expand border sensitisation programmes.
“Security threats do not respect borders. Our response must be coordinated, comprehensive and timely,” the Commission said.
Zambia thanked Malawi for hosting the meeting and invited it to attend the 21st JPCDS session in 2026, an invitation that Malawi accepted.
The meeting concluded in what both sides described as a “friendly and cordial atmosphere,” reflecting the enduring bonds of cooperation between the two nations.
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