Zambia Considered for 2028 Great Lakes Peace Chairmanship
Zambia has been encouraged to consider taking up the chairmanship of the Regional Oversight Mechanism in 2028, a move that could strengthen its contribution to peace, security and conflict resolution in the Great Lakes Region.
United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia made the proposal during bilateral talks with Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe in Lusaka, on the sidelines of the 20th Ordinary Meeting of the Regional Inter-Ministerial Committee of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Mr Huang acknowledged Zambia’s longstanding reputation for promoting peace and its experience in facilitating conflict resolution. He encouraged the country to consider taking a more active role in mediation efforts aimed at addressing conflicts in the region.
“Zambia has a longstanding reputation as a beacon of peace and has experience in facilitating conflict resolution,” Mr Huang said.
The proposed chairmanship would provide Zambia with an opportunity to contribute to regional peace efforts through dialogue, mediation and cooperation with other member states.
In a separate engagement, Mr Haimbe met Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, to discuss preparations for the Zambia-Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission scheduled for 2027.
The two ministers reviewed outstanding bilateral matters, including pending projects and proposed Memoranda of Understanding intended to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Tourism and wildlife conservation also featured in the discussions, with Zambia expressing interest in learning from Rwanda’s experience in wildlife-based tourism and conservation. The proposed collaboration could create opportunities for exchanging expertise and strengthening tourism development in both countries.
Mr Haimbe also held a courtesy meeting with Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Colonel Fred Mwesigwe (Retired), who reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Zambia.
Colonel Mwesigwe congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on the successful elections and Mr Haimbe on his reappointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
He further proposed that Zambia and Uganda explore joint tourism packages and partnerships with airlines to promote tourist attractions in both countries.
The engagements highlight Zambia’s continued diplomatic interaction with regional and international partners on peace and security, bilateral cooperation and tourism development.