…Says Parties Must Ceasefire
President Hakainde Hichilema was part of the Heads of State Summit between SADC East Africa Community (EAC) on the escalating tension in Eastern Congo DR.
Hichilema who flew to Tanzania for the summit earlier from Japan where he was on an official visit has called for the warring parties to Ceasefire and dialogue.
The Zambian leader said this in an update seen by Zambian Eye after attending the summit:
The EAC/SADC Summit held in Dar es Salaam today, reaffirms our unwavering commitment as regional leaders to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has resulted in the tragic loss of lives and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in Eastern DRC.
There is an urgent and pressing need for an immediate ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities in that region. The only viable path forward for all parties involved is dialogue—meaningful, sustained, and solution-oriented dialogue. We firmly believe that lasting peace is not forged on the battlefield but at the negotiating table.
We extend our profound gratitude to Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the people of Tanzania for graciously hosting this historic gathering. We also commend Their Excellencies President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and President William Ruto of Kenya for their invaluable role in co-hosting these critical discussions. Their leadership and commitment to regional stability are deeply appreciated.
Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia.