British Government Praises Zambia’s Contributions to Peace and Security in the SADC

Speaking on behalf of the British Government, His Majesty’s High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon commended Zambia for the role it plays in maintaining peace in the Southern African Development Community region. These remarks came on Thursday morning as she visited and spoke with Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma.

In particular, Ms Terzeon highlighted Zambia’s successful stint as chair of the SADC Troika Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation in 2024. Zambia was aided in this endeavour by robust collaboration with the British military, with Terzeon highlighting in particular Britain’s logistical support for the pre-deployment of ZAMBATT troops. Both Terzeon and Lufuma signalled their intention for this cooperation to continue.

However, Terzeon expressed concerns about the unfolding crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: “We are watching what is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo and we are concerned. We are hoping that ongoing regional efforts to bring back peace to the DRC will succeed”. Continued Zambian diplomatic leadership in the region will undoubtedly play a key role in any forthcoming resolution to the conflict.

During the meeting, Mr Lufuma conveyed the government’s commitment to holding free and fair elections next year. He told the High Commissioner, “we have had seven Presidents since independence and all their elections were peaceful. As a government, we can assure you that the defence and security services are ready to ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful and free environment”.

The meeting illustrated the warm relations between Zambia and Great Britain; this cooperation strengthens Zambia’s capacity to lead peacekeeping efforts across southern Africa.