Group warns civilians continue to bear brunt of violence in DRC, Sudan

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region has expressed concern that, despite the efforts of regional and international actors, the security and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continued to escalate in certain areas. Mubita Luwabelwa, Executive Secretary of the ICGLR, said civilians continued to bear the brunt of violence and displacement, with humanitarian consequences that demand urgent, coordinated action. He made the remarks during the third meeting of the Specialized Committee of Experts of Defence, held at the Intercontinental Hotel Lusaka from Wednesday, March 4 to Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Luwabelwa urged all parties to the conflict to honour their commitments under ongoing peace processes, including ceasefire arrangements and the obligations outlined in the Terms of Reference. “The credibility of our regional mechanisms, and above all the lives and dignity of civilians, depend on compliance,” he stated. He further highlighted that the conflict in Sudan also demanded regional attention.

Luwabelwa encouraged the Committee to formulate practical, timely actions and assured that the ICGLR Secretariat would assist in turning recommendations into actionable plans, with clear timelines and resource allocations. “I want to reaffirm that the ICGLR and its affiliated centers, EJVM and JIFC, remain fully dedicated to implementing a sustainable ceasefire and all measures that protect civilians and restore stability,” he said. He added that ICGLR continued to work closely with the African Union Mediator, Member States, the Washington and Doha Peace Processes, the United Nations, regional organizations, and international partners to mobilize political will, technical capacity, and resources.

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“I wish to thank in particular the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Zambia for the exemplary protocol, logistical and security arrangements that have enabled the safe arrival and comfortable stay of our delegations,” he said. Zambia’s Deputy Army Commander and Chief of Staff, Major General Luswepo Sinyinza, noted that persistent activities by armed groups continued to threaten stability, impede development, and place immense pressure on the security institutions of member states. “The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan continue to dominate regional headlines, highlighting ongoing insecurity and instability,” Sinyinza said.

He emphasized the need for collective strategies to protect civilians and stressed that sustained dialogue and coordinated action were essential to achieving lasting peace. Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Specialized Defence Expert Committee, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kaputa, thanked the Experts for their continued commitment and the Government of Zambia for hosting the meeting.

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