A Diplomatic Misstep? Reflecting on Zambia’s Regional Role Amid DRC Conflict
In a region where diplomacy often shapes peace and stability, the recent decision by President Hakainde Hichilema to skip the high-level emergency SADC meeting in Harare has sparked intense debate. Citizens First President Harry Kalaba described the move as a “diplomatic blunder,” criticizing President Hichilema’s choice to attend virtually via Zoom instead of being physically present alongside other regional leaders. The meeting, hosted by Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa, aimed to address the escalating bloody conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a crisis threatening to destabilize not just the DRC but its neighbors, including Burundi and Rwanda.
Kalaba stated that President Hichilema’s absence was more than just a missed meeting; it was a diplomatic snub that undermined Zambia’s historical role in fostering regional peace. According to Kalaba, previous Zambian presidents understood the symbolic and practical importance of physical presence at such gatherings. He pointed to the late President Levy Mwanawasa, who was known for his active engagement within SADC, particularly during the 2008 Zimbabwean political crisis. Mwanawasa’s presence in critical summits symbolized Zambia’s unwavering commitment to regional democracy and peace.
Kalaba further referenced the diplomatic legacy of Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda, whose active involvement in regional affairs earned Zambia a reputation as a beacon of peace and solidarity in Southern Africa. Kaunda’s direct participation in peace negotiations during liberation struggles in Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa underscored the belief that personal presence fosters stronger diplomatic ties and conflict resolution.
Former President Rupiah Banda also maintained Zambia’s diplomatic stature, notably during the 2009 political unrest in Madagascar. Banda’s leadership showcased Zambia’s readiness to engage in conflict resolution, emphasizing personal relationships with regional leaders as a key to building consensus during crises.
Kalaba criticized President Hichilema’s decision to rely on virtual participation, stating that it failed to reflect Zambia’s dedication to regional peace. He argued that the physical absence of the Zambian leader at a meeting held just across the Zambezi River sent a message of disengagement at a time when strong, visible leadership was crucial. The ongoing conflict in the DRC, with its potential to escalate into a broader regional crisis involving countries like Burundi and Rwanda, demands a unified response from SADC leaders.
Kalaba expressed concern that such diplomatic choices could diminish Zambia’s influence within SADC, a body that relies on the collective strength and unity of its member states. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to educate President Hichilema on the importance of fostering good regional relations at the highest level, warning against the dangers of selective diplomacy based on personal alliances.
According to Kalaba, diplomacy is not solely about convenience or efficiency but about demonstrating commitment through presence. He highlighted that while modern technology facilitates communication, it cannot replace the impact of face-to-face interactions in high-stakes diplomatic engagements. Kalaba emphasized that Zambia’s history of proactive diplomacy should serve as a guide for current and future leaders.
Kalaba concluded his remarks by stressing that Zambia’s absence from such a critical meeting could affect its standing as a regional leader in peacebuilding efforts. He reiterated that the country’s historical contributions to regional stability, marked by the active involvement of past presidents, should not be overlooked or diminished in the face of modern conveniences. Zambia’s diplomatic posture, he suggested, must align with its legacy of leadership and commitment to peace in Southern Africa.
Zambia should no longer engage in nation building. Our economy suffered during those liberation wars, but the people we helped have no attitude of gratitude. In any event, virtual meetings are the new normal! It’s also risky for HH to go to Zimbabwe where he’s profusely hated.
Mayo
Very corect.
El Chapo Kalaba likes positing himself as the greatest diplomat Zambia has ever produced. Zambia’s role is economic diplomacy
Apart from the fear of the return of the genocidaires, Kagame considers eastern Congo as a DeFacto province of Rwanda. Rwanda’s very economy depends on the mineral wealth of eastern Congo. A lot of people in eastern Congo speak Kinyarwanda so its easy to recruit into the M23.Compound that with the major international and mercenary interests in the same wealth, and you have a very complex situation that would dazzle Kalaba.
And yes,only speak with dictators virtually
Kalaba, stop being a joker there’sa better way to earn a living. What you are supposed to be advocating for is our withdrawal from SADC. No wonder Paul Kagame sees SADC as circus. Look at what has happened in Mozambique, DRC … a mess everywhere. You might not like the President, but he has realised that theseso called liberation heroes are just in it for themselves, if not just “thieving.”
Zambia has responsibility in the SADC region and once again the priorities of the current govt are out of order. Visiting Zimbabwe would have been an opportunity to iron out outstanding issues with Zimbabwe and would have been a strong gesture to our southern twin nation. Once again the govt has shown poor judgement in priorities. Now that the US will not be giving Zambia aid, does it not show that it was a poor decision to court the US over China when the govt came to power? Some politician once said that being republican president is the easiest job because you have the civil service guardians, your cabinet, former presidents, civil society, general public, etc to listen to and get advice. Does the current president listen to advice is he capable of learning?
Zimbabwe itself and Mnangagwa shall not be spared by the wrath of dictator Trump. Woe unto Kalaba if he hears that you are in Mnangagwa’s circles