Zambia to host high-level security talks on Eastern DRC crisis

Zambia will next week host a high-level three-day meeting focused on the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing together defence leaders from across the Great Lakes Region.

According to a statement issued by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala, the meeting is being convened at the request of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a request which Zambia has accepted.

The meeting would be held in Livingstone from Thursday, January 8, to Saturday, January 10, 2026, and is expected to attract all 12 Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) from ICGLR member states.

Read more: Zambian Air Force, Disaster management agency launch national relief operation in Mpika district

ICGLR membership comprises Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Shalala said Zambia’s decision to host the talks reflected its long-standing commitment to regional peace and stability, anchored in President Hakainde Hichilema’s belief that insecurity in one country posed a threat to the entire region.

“Zambia is an advocate of peace, guided by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zambia Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s belief that instability anywhere is instability everywhere,” Shalala said.

Defence Minister, Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma, is expected to chair the meeting.

Zambia shares an extensive border with the DRC and has consistently played a diplomatic and mediation role in regional peace efforts.

Like his predecessors, President Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to contributing to lasting peace in the DRC, as instability in the neighbouring country continues to raise regional security concerns.

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.