The extraordinary meeting of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Ministers of Defense has elected Brigadier General Charles Nakeempa of Zambia as the Commander of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 The meeting, which ended over the weekend, was called to discuss the escalating security situation in the DRC.

Brigadier General Nakeempa will be deputised by Colonel Arlindo Sebastiao Vandunem of Angola.

Zambia's Vice President Mutale Nalumango officiated at the closing ceremony with a passionate appeal to the participants.

 "This reality reminds us that the suffering of the civilians in the DR Congo is not confined to one nation but affects the peace and stability of the entire region and beyond; therefore, it demands urgent and collective action."

 
The meeting of the 13-member countries was mainly attended by Ministers of Defence and Service Chiefs.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region was created to champion peace, security, stability, and development in the region.