Mozambique’s government has officially congratulated Zambia for conducting peaceful general elections on August 13, 2026, which secured the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema. Officials in Maputo said the outcome presents a vital opportunity to strengthen defense and security ties and maintain regional stability.
Mozambique Hails Peaceful Polls and Secures Diplomatic Ties
The Mozambican government has extended formal congratulations to the people of Zambia following the country’s recent general elections. The vote, held on August 13, 2026, resulted in the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema, who polled 2,965,326 votes against his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the NRPUP, who secured 1,856,217 votes.
The official congratulatory message was delivered by Victor Canhemba, Permanent Secretary in Mozambique’s Ministry of Interior. In a statement on Wednesday, Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer Paul Shalala said Mozambique’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Victor Canhemba, noted that the re-election of President Hichilema presents an opportunity to enhance defence and security relations between the two countries. Canhemba expressed hope that the re-election of President Hichilema would help the two nations continue working together to maintain regional stability.
Defense and Security Commission Convenes in Maputo
The diplomatic praise was formally delivered during the official opening of the Senior Officials Meeting of the 14th Mozambique-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in Maputo, Mozambique, this morning. Victor Domingos Canhemba Jr, who is chairing the Senior Officials Meeting, commended Zambians for conducting peaceful elections and expressed that the re-election of President Hichilema presents an opportunity to enhance the defense and security relations currently prevailing between Zambia and Mozambique. Mr Canhemba Jr expressed hope that the re-election of President Hichilema will help the two nations continue working together to maintain regional stability.
Zambia Air Force Commander Calls for Action Against Transnational Crime
Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni has called for enhanced efforts to combat transnational crime between the two countries. Lt. Gen. Nyoni, who serves as Co-Chairman of the Senior Officials Meeting, cautioned that unaddressed security challenges could jeopardize peace.
The ZAF Commander called for strengthened coordination between Zambia and Mozambique, stressing the necessity of tight coordination between security agencies.
High-Level Delegation Coordinates Bilateral Strategy
The Zambia Air Force Commander is leading the Zambian delegation to the meeting, reflecting the strategic importance Lusaka places on the bilateral security commission. Prominent members of the delegation include Zambia’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Derrick Livune; Ministry of Defence Director of Research, Planning, and Projects, Ireen Habasimbi; Zambia Correctional Service Deputy Commissioner General, Bwalya Kuyomba; and Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Director of Research and Planning, Goodson Sinyenga.
Details of the commission meetings and diplomatic exchanges were contained in a statement issued to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka today, by Ministry of Defense Principle Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala.
