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The third session of the Zambia–Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security commenced in Livingstone, with both nations pledging to address the escalating threats of transnational crimes.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Hamaundu, urged the neighbouring countries to confront the rising issues of human trafficking and smuggling along their shared border.
Speaking at the official opening of the JPC Officials Meeting on Monday in Livingstone, Hamaundu emphasized the need for effective strategies by defence and security institutions in both Zambia and Tanzania to combat transnational crimes that jeopardize regional peace and security.
“Smuggling continues to deprive us of essential revenue. Additionally, our nations are being exploited as transit routes for human traffickers, compromising our security. It is imperative that our defence and security institutions develop strategies to address these and other threats to peace and stability, as economic prosperity is contingent upon our stability,” Hamaundu stated.
He also encouraged JPC delegates to use the platform to reinforce the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.
“I am pleased that our nations have maintained cordial relations, honoring the aspirations of our founding fathers. As we commence the officials’ meeting, I urge all participants to engage openly, enabling us to devise effective strategies to tackle our shared security concerns,” he added.
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Dr. Faragi Mnyepe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and National Service of Tanzania, echoed the call for collaborative efforts to eliminate common border crimes.
“My colleague, Mr. Hamaundu, highlighted human trafficking and smuggling. These are crimes we must jointly combat through well-coordinated efforts between Tanzania and Zambia,” Mnyepe said.
Mnyepe reflected on the historical ties established by founding fathers Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Julius Nyerere, who initiated joint ventures such as the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and the Tanzania–Zambia Mafuta Pipeline (TAZAMA) to benefit both nations.
“For generations to come, our citizens will continue to benefit from TAZARA and TAZAMA, thanks to the foundations laid by our founding fathers,” Mnyepe noted.
The third session of the Zambia–Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security would culminate in a Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday, with Defence Ministers from both countries in attendance.
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