ICGLR: Defense ministers call for concrete action to restore peace in eastern DRC

Defense ministers from the 12 ICGLR member states met in Lusaka, Zambia, on October 16, 2026, and reaffirmed their commitment to peace, security and sustainable development in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region. At their 20th meeting, they called for political commitments to be translated into concrete action, including stronger border security, respect for existing peace mechanisms and closer military cooperation. They also reviewed strategies to disarm armed groups and neutralize forces threatening regional stability. Congolese Defense Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, chair of the committee, paid tribute to soldiers killed in stabilization operations and urged member states to implement their commitments effectively.