LUSAKA, Dec. 9– Zambia on Monday launched a report to help assess national vulnerabilities and develop strategies to prevent conflict and promote long-term stability. The Country Structural Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment (CSVRA), supported by the African Union Commission and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), is designed to help African countries identify structural risks that could trigger conflict. The assessment focuses on socio-economic development, governance, the rule of law, democracy, and human rights as key drivers of potential instability. COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe commended Zambia for its leadership in advancing regional peace and resilience, noting that the launch comes at a crucial time as the country prepares for next year’s general elections. Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango described the launch as a milestone in strengthening early warning systems, peacebuilding, and long-term stability, saying that the report will help Zambia detect vulnerabilities and governance weaknesses, monitor potential triggers of instability, and mitigate crises before they escalate. Nalumango noted that Zambia voluntarily embarked on the CSVRA process in 2020, becoming the first country in southern Africa to undergo the assessment, a move that has inspired others in the region. She said the initiative’s success requires collaboration with partners, including the AU, COMESA, development partners, and civil society. Norman Chipakupaku, national coordinator of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, said the launch will enhance Zambia’s capacity to understand, anticipate, and respond to structural vulnerabilities. He said the assessment identifies underlying risks that make the country susceptible to shocks and outlines strategies to build resilience and support sustainable development.
(Xinhua)
