Several arrests made over deaths of 27 migrants in Zambia

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) – Several arrests have been made in Zambia in connection with the deaths of 27 Ethiopian migrants who were found dumped on the outskirts of the capital Lusaka, the country’s interior minister said on Thursday.

Zambian authorities found the bodies of 27 men, aged between 20 and 38, in Ngwerere, a farming area near Lusaka, on Sunday, while one person was found alive in critical condition.

Ethiopia has announced it will investigate the deaths, while the UN migration agency expressed alarm over the incident and called for urgent efforts to tackle irregular migration in the region.

Among those arrested is the driver of the truck that brought the migrants into Zambia, Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu told lawmakers in a parliament session.

“The person found alive at the scene is recovering in a hospital and will also help us with investigations,” he said.

Mwiimbu emphasized the need for “concerted efforts to break the human trafficking syndicate operating along the Southern Route, which connects the Horn of Africa to the Southern African Development Community region.”

He said Zambia has strengthened its laws on human trafficking, while also pursuing joint efforts on defense and security with countries such as neighboring Tanzania.