Regional Defense Chiefs Convene in Zambia Amid Deepening Eastern DRC Crisis

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – Defense ministers and army chiefs from 12 member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) convened in Livingstone, Zambia, this week for a critical three-day meeting aimed at addressing the escalating security and humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The high-level gathering, spanning from January 8 to 10, 2026, underscores urgent regional concerns as persistent conflict, particularly involving the M23 rebel group, continues to destabilize the region and inflict severe suffering on civilian populations.

A Region on Edge: The DRC's Unrelenting Conflict

The eastern DRC has long been plagued by a complex web of armed groups and ethnic tensions, but the security situation has deteriorated sharply in recent years. The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has intensified its offensive, leading to widespread displacement and significant territorial gains. Early in 2025, the M23 captured key cities including Goma and Bukavu, further exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe. The conflict remains volatile, with both the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the M23-led coalition accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements. Recent reports, including allegations of Congolese forces conducting drone strikes in Masisi territory on January 2, 2026, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, highlight the ongoing intensity of the fighting.

The human toll of this protracted conflict is staggering. More than 480,000 people have been displaced since January 2025 alone, adding to the estimated 5.6 million internally displaced people across the DRC, with over 4 million concentrated in the eastern provinces. Beyond displacement, over 21 million people require humanitarian assistance, making it one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The region also faces critical levels of food insecurity, with projections indicating that 26.6 million people nationwide could face crisis levels by early 2026. Humanitarian operations are severely hampered by damaged or looted infrastructure and restricted access due to insecurity, preventing vital aid from reaching those in desperate need.

Zambia Takes Center Stage for Regional Dialogue

Zambia, a nation sharing an extensive border with the DRC and known for its long-standing commitment to regional peace, is hosting the crucial talks. The Zambian Ministry of Defence stated that the meeting was convened at the request of the ICGLR, an organization comprising Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. Zambia's Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma, is expected to chair the high-level session, following preparatory meetings by defense experts that opened in Lusaka.

Zambia Army Commander Geoffrey Zyeele, in his opening remarks to the defense experts, emphasized that the regional security challenges necessitate "strengthened collective efforts, deeper information sharing, and enhanced coordinated cross-border operations." He underscored that only through "unity of purpose and decisive action" can the destabilizing forces be overcome and lasting stability secured for the Great Lakes Region. The sentiment reflects Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's belief that "instability anywhere is instability everywhere," reinforcing the urgency of a unified regional approach.

Forging a Unified Response: Agenda and Objectives

The primary objective of the ICGLR meeting is to assess the evolving security landscape in eastern DRC, explore coordinated regional responses, and strengthen diplomatic and military cooperation to restore stability. Discussions are expected to delve into key mechanisms, including the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), the terms of reference for a potential ceasefire, and the oversight and monitoring framework established by previous agreements in Doha. These technical discussions aim to lay the groundwork for more effective regional interventions.

Past regional efforts to quell the violence have faced significant challenges. The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), deployed in November 2022, concluded its mandate in December 2023, with the Congolese government citing a "lack of satisfactory results." Subsequently, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed its own military force, which has been operational for approximately two years. This meeting by the ICGLR seeks to build upon these experiences, aiming for a more robust and unified strategy. An earlier meeting in February 2025 involving EAC and SADC defense chiefs also focused on achieving an immediate ceasefire, providing humanitarian assistance, opening supply routes, and developing a securitization plan for Goma.

The Path Forward: Diplomacy and Regional Stability

The persistent insecurity in eastern DRC continues to be a major threat to regional peace and stability, straining relations among Great Lakes neighbors and necessitating ongoing diplomatic efforts. The outcomes of this Zambian summit are anticipated to inform future strategies for political dialogue and military cooperation. With millions displaced and an escalating humanitarian crisis, the region looks to these defense leaders for concrete actions and renewed commitment to bringing an end to the violence that has ravaged eastern DRC for decades. The focus remains on establishing a durable ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian access, and fostering conditions conducive to a lasting peace for the affected populations.