By 
Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma, has expressed concern over the growing cases of transnational crimes such as motor vehicle theft and smuggling of essential goods, warning that such activities threaten national and regional stability.
Lufuma said transnational crimes were a serious threat to national security and must be fought collectively, as they risk undermining peace and development across borders.
He made the remarks on Thursday during the official opening of the Ministerial Meeting at the 26th Session of the Zambia–Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, held in Chilanga District, Lusaka Province.
The Minister urged the Commission to develop stronger collaborative measures between the two countries to combat cross-border crimes.
“The Defence and Security services of both countries need to work together and conduct joint efforts to curb crime because the two countries need stability for investment to thrive,” he said.
Lufuma also commended the Zambia Defence Force for its effective role in safeguarding food security and responding to humanitarian disasters.
He further congratulated the government and people of Namibia for conducting peaceful elections in November 2024, which brought President Nandi Ndaitwah-Netumbo — the first female head of state in that country — into office.
“The peaceful elections show how entrenched democracy is in the country,” Lufuma said.
Namibia’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, paid tribute to Zambia for hosting Namibian freedom fighters during the liberation struggle.
Read More: Zambia, Mozambique open Defence talks with focus on combating cross-border crimes
“Zambia did not just sacrifice for its neighbours but also suffered the consequences of its generosity at the hands of the Ian Smith regime of Southern Rhodesia and the apartheid government of South Africa,” Kapofi said.
He recalled that Zambia’s founding father, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, hosted many liberation movements, adding that Namibia continues to regard Zambia as its second home.
Kapofi also thanked Zambia for sending officials in 2024 to assist Namibia in organising the official funeral of the late President Dr. Hage Geingob, who died in office.
He noted that Namibia had no prior experience in conducting a state funeral for a sitting president and was grateful for Zambia’s guidance, having managed similar occasions in the past.
The 26th Session of the Zambia–Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security is expected to conclude later today.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments