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The 26th Session of the Zambia–Namibia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security opened at Sandy’s Creations Resort in Chilanga district, Lusaka Province, with calls for the two countries to urgently address drug and human trafficking crimes.
Commission Chairperson Maambo Haamaundu urged Zambia and Namibia to collaborate on tackling transnational crimes, illegal immigration, extremism, terrorism, and other security challenges.
Haamaundu, who also serves as Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Defence, made the remarks on Monday during the official opening of the Senior Officials Meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security.
“The two countries face many threats to peace and stability, and it is important that the Joint Permanent Commission addresses these threats,” Haamaundu said.
He emphasized Zambia’s commitment to maintaining peace and security through the JPC framework, stating:
“Zambia was committed to maintaining peace and security with other countries through the holding of JPCs. The 26th Session of the Zambia–Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security must find strategies to curb the above-outlined vices.”
Haamaundu encouraged the commission to strengthen collaboration through exchange visits and congratulated Namibia for holding peaceful elections and a smooth transfer of power in 2024.
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Namibia’s Executive Director in the Ministry of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, Annely Haiphele, said the annual Joint Permanent Commissions have successfully resolved many issues between the two countries.
“Pertinent issues are usually discussed and attended to at JPCs. The peaceful elections and transfer of power in Namibia show how deeply rooted democracy is in the country,” Haiphele said, noting that both Zambia and Namibia share democratic values that facilitate effective governance.
Prominent attendees at the four-day JPC included Zambia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo, Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni, and Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba.
The Ministerial Meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission, expected to be opened on Thursday by Zambia’s Minister of Defence Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma and his Namibian counterpart, will provide further high-level direction on bilateral security cooperation.
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