THE Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Joint Permanent Commission on defence and security has expressed concern on the continued increase of transnational crime between the two countries.

And DRC Vice-Prime minister Charles Mulenda Mwanda Sefu, who is also home affairs minister, said the DRC and Zambia should continue to co-exist for the good of the people of both countries.

Defence minister Dr Kalombo Mwansa said the unwavering commitment by the Zambian and DRC governments greatly contributed to the existing strong relations between the two countries.

During the closing of the fifth session of the Zambia/ DRC Joint Permanent Commission on defence and security at the Savoy Hotel in Ndola on Friday, Dr Mwansa who read the resolutions said there was need to further strengthen security along the common border through more efforts at national and provincial level in both countries.

“The commission expresses concern that the two countries have continued to face some security challenges particularly those related to transnational crimes, notably increasing cases of human and drug trafficking, illegal migration, smuggling, poaching, money laundering, stock and motor vehicle theft,” he said.

“The commission is going to make sure that it fights these vices by encouraging regular interaction among the security institutions of the two countries. And as regards to the removal of illegal migrants, the commission has urged the relevant authorities of both countries to conform to the human rights requirement.”

Dr Mwansa said the two countries needed to enhance the exchange of information and map out strategies aimed at dealing with imminent security threats in view of the World Cup scheduled for June this year in South Africa.

“The commission has further reviewed the security situation in the Great Lakes Region. Because of this the delegation from Congo has congratulated the Zambian government on assuming the chairmanship of the conference for the Great Lakes Region of the international conference and has expressed confidence that Zambia would further contribute towards the attainment of peace in the region,” he said.

Dr Mwansa condemned the continued presence of elements of destabilisation in the eastern part of DRC, saying Zambia would support the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in ensuring that a lasting solution to that country’s conflicts was found.
Dr Mwansa said the commission resolved that as Zambia and DRC goes for elections next year, both countries should ensure peace and that the elections should be free and fair.

And Prime Minister Sefu said he was satisfied with the continued strong cooperation at various levels between Zambia and DRC.

Katanga Province governor Moses Katumbi could not attend the meeting as he was called back by President Joseph Kabila to attend another meeting in Kinshasa.