The Zambian government has initiated plans to evacuate a family of five living in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as authorities work to secure their safety amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe said government was handling an urgent case involving the family as the security situation in the region continues to deteriorate.
Haimbe said emergency arrangements had already been activated through Zambia’s diplomatic mission in Cairo to facilitate the family’s evacuation from the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region.
“Through coordinated engagement between our Missions in Cairo and Ankara, preparations are underway to facilitate safe transit through the nearest viable corridor, subject to prevailing security assessments,” Haimbe told Parliament.
The minister also disclosed that government is working to establish the whereabouts and safety of another Zambian believed to be living in Iran, where tensions remain high.
According to Haimbe, Zambia’s diplomatic missions in Cairo and Ankara are coordinating efforts to trace the individual and prepare a possible evacuation route should the security situation worsen.
Meanwhile, the minister assured the nation that no Zambian has been reported injured or killed in the ongoing hostilities across the Middle East based on updates from Zambian missions in several countries.
He further stated that the government of the United Arab Emirates has provided temporary accommodation and assistance to travellers, including Zambians, who have been stranded due to flight disruptions caused by the conflict.
Government has since advised Zambians living in the region to remain vigilant, avoid areas near military installations and maintain regular contact with the nearest Zambian diplomatic mission as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
Tensions? This is a war you poor reporters. A leader has been killed, armies are bombing each other and you refer to the situation as tensions?
Government advice. Kikikikikikikiiiii!
Aati: “remain vigilant, avoid areas near military installations and maintain regular contact with the nearest Zambian diplomatic mission”
And someone goes home to say “I worked”
Oh and he forgot “Dont wear army uniforms!”
There used to be a regular blogger on this Lusaka Times forum who used to go by the name “Ayatollah”. He/she has been silent of late. I hope he/she did not fall victim to a missile too? If not, please post again so that we can all see you are still fine sir/madam.
Kikikikikikiki! Mwa silozi I suspect you work for the CIA and you’re trying to confirm whether your hit was on target. Relax your fee will be paid straight to your bank account. Ayatollah was killed so he can no longer post here