Mulambo Haimbe has announced that the Zambian government has commenced plans to evacuate its citizens from several Middle Eastern countries following the worsening security situation in the region.

Speaking in parliament, the minister disclosed that authorities are currently addressing an urgent situation involving a family of five Zambians living in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. He stated that arrangements have already been put in place to ensure their safe departure from the area.

Haimbe also revealed that efforts are underway to locate and confirm the status of another Zambian citizen believed to be residing in Iran.

According to him, Zambia’s diplomatic missions in Cairo and Ankara are working together to coordinate possible transit routes that will allow citizens to leave affected areas safely, depending on ongoing security assessments.

The minister assured that, so far, the government has not received any reports of injuries or fatalities involving Zambian nationals in the affected countries.

He further noted that several Zambian citizens, including professionals, diplomats, and students, are currently living across different parts of the Middle East.

As part of precautionary measures, Haimbe said all Zambian embassies in the region have been directed to prepare evacuation plans based on different scenarios, maintain constant communication with citizens, and update official records of Zambian nationals residing in those countries.