In Lubumbashi, Jacquemain Shabani Calls for Constant Vigilance to Contain Security

Lubumbashi Haut-Katanga, January 16, 2026 - The 14th session of the Joint Defense and Security Commission between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Zambia concluded on Thursday, January 15, in Lubumbashi, the capital of Haut-Katanga province. This high-level bilateral meeting brought together delegations from both countries over three days to examine shared security challenges in a regional context marked by a resurgence of cross-border threats. The DRC-Zambia Joint Defense and Security Commission serves as a permanent framework for consultation between the two neighboring states, which share a long border. Its mandate is to strengthen security cooperation, prevent conflicts, combat cross-border crime, and ensure the stability of border areas. This 14th session took place against a backdrop of persistent security challenges, including armed banditry, transnational crime, terrorism, and border incursions, all of which require close coordination and a concerted response between Kinshasa and Lusaka. At the close of the session, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs of the DRC, Jacquemain Shabani, emphasized the gravity and complexity of these shared threats. “The discussions highlighted terrorism, transnational crime, banditry, and border violations. It is imperative to maintain constant vigilance and continuously adapt to address them,” Mr. Shabani stated. He stressed the need to move beyond commitments in principle and called for the effective implementation of the decisions taken. “I recommend rigorous follow-up to the adopted resolutions so that defense and security issues between our two countries produce the results expected by our respective governments,” he added. For his part, Jacob Mwimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Security of Zambia, welcomed the progress made by the Joint Commission and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with the DRC. “In the area of defense and security, our Commission has successfully implemented concrete strategies to combat cross-border crime and other offenses that threaten defense and security,” he stated. He also underscored the close link between security and economic development. “We recognize that without peace and security, the economic growth objectives of our Commission will be difficult to achieve.” Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the security services of both countries, the Zambian minister added: “Our security services have a duty to maintain their cooperation in defense and security matters. It is therefore crucial for us to strengthen our collaboration and conduct joint security and defense operations.” He concluded with a clear commitment: “I reaffirm Zambia’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Commission’s mandate. Zambia remains committed to maintaining peace at the regional, national, and international levels.” The closing of this 14th session marks a new stage in strengthening security relations between the DRC and Zambia, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to translating adopted resolutions into concrete actions to guarantee the security of their populations and the stability of their shared border areas.