Defence Experts Convene in Lusaka for Security Summit
Ministers and experts meet for three days to address regional security threats and conflict across the Great Lakes region.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Military
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The Specialised Committee of Defence Experts on the Great Lakes Region has convened in Lusaka for its fourth annual meeting. Participants are evaluating pressing security concerns across multiple nations to develop strategic policy recommendations.
Why it matters
The summit aims to address critical regional instability by integrating technical expertise and military leadership to refine existing defence mechanisms. These recommendations are intended to guide member state leaders in managing ongoing humanitarian and security challenges.
The meeting serves as the fourth edition of the annual regional defence forum, scheduled to span a duration of three days. Experts are tasked with consolidating security updates to provide actionable intelligence to the Chiefs of Defence Forces.
The players
Specialised Committee of Defence Experts
This intergovernmental body provides strategic policy guidance and technical analysis on security matters for the Great Lakes region.
Chiefs of Defence Forces
These high-ranking military officials are the primary recipients of the recommendations developed during the committee proceedings.
The details
The committee is focusing on intense conflict zones, including the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Experts are also reviewing internal instability in South Sudan and the need for further diplomatic attention in the Central African Republic.
Timeline
The fourth annual meeting convened in Lusaka on October 15, 2026.
The meeting is scheduled to last for three days from October 15-17, 2026.
Political Context
This summit marks a continuation of the security framework established during the 2026 ICGLR high-level consultations regarding Sudan. It reflects a shift toward more formalized, multi-level military cooperation to address systemic instability across member states.
The decisions made at this summit could influence regional stability and the flow of humanitarian aid into crisis-stricken areas like Sudan. Residents and organizations in the affected regions may see shifts in security policy following the final report delivery.
The takeaway
The committee emphasizes a collaborative approach to solving complex regional conflicts through shared intelligence and policy review. Experts suggest that consistent diplomatic engagement remains the primary tool for mitigating violence in the Great Lakes region.
Further reading
For broader insight into regional stability efforts, explore the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LusakaTimes.
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