Ministers of foreign affairs of COMESA Member States held a one-day meeting in Bujumbura. The Embassy of Uganda was represented at the event.

Zambia’s Minister of Defence, Hon. Ambrose Lufuma represented the outgoing chair of the Committee of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mulambe Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia. He noted that despite achievements recorded in the status of peace, security and stability during the past one, the region still faces some peace and security challenges.

Climate change also featured prominently in the meeting as a major challenge that the region continues to face. Specifically, the devastating drought facing the southern Africa region was identified as having serious ramifications on agriculture, power and water supply, which has had a spillover effect on the economy.

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe highlighted key interventions in place including the enhancement of early warning capabilities, addressing the root causes of conflicts, supporting conflict prevention and management, countering violent extremism and terrorism, combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, contributing to post-conflict reconstruction and development.

The in-coming Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers of Foreign Affairs Hon Albert Shingiro of Burundi pledged his government’s commitment to enhancing peace, security and stability in the region. He said the country will work with all Member States during Burundis’ tenure to advance ideals of regional integration with peace being vital for any trade and development to occur.