Government has called for urgent action on the escalating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele says the situation in the eastern DRC remains precarious and needs urgent attention to protect women and children who have been caught up in the fighting.
Speaking when he opened the Extraordinary Meeting of the Specialised Committee of Defence Experts of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in Livingston, Lt Gen Zyeele urged defence experts to offer solidarity, compassion and determination to act decisively on the matter.
Lt Gen Zyeele stated that the conflict in the DRC has a wider effect on the Great Lakes region.
“Another critical task before us today is the reconsideration of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism and the terms of reference for the Ceasefire Oversight and Monitoring Mechanism signed in Doha. Let us ensure that the oversight remains credible, impartial and effective,” said the Army Commander.
And ICGLR Deputy Executive Secretary Ambassador Yasir Mohammed said the activities of the AFC/M23 rebels continue to destabilise the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially the capture of Uvira, a town near the DRC-Burundi border.
Ambassador Mohammed says the conflict has caused immense human suffering, mass displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations.
He has since called on member’s states to come up with decisive action to stop the escalation which has deepened the humanitarian crisis and heightened the risk of cross border destabilisation.
This is according to a statement issued to the media by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
