By Mwansa Kaumba
The Zambia Army is concerned when its constitutional duties are presented through a political lens, and when names of individual officers are drawn into narratives to create suspicion and hostility towards those serving the nation.
In a press release by service spokesperson Colonel Sydney Mwewa, the Army said it was important for the public to appreciate that the maintenance of peace and national security was a shared responsibility.
Mwewa stated that the defence force, together with other security institutions, had a duty to contribute to an environment in which citizens can live, work and exercise their rights in peace and security.
”The Army is therefore concerned when its constitutional and professional duties are deliberately presented through a political lens, or when the names of individual officers are drawn into speculative narratives intended to create suspicion, fear or hostility towards those serving the nation,” Mwewa stated. “The Zambia Army has noted with concern the increasing tendency by some political commentators and social media users to draw the Army into political discourse through statements, commentary and narratives that misrepresent its constitutional role and mandate.”
Colonel Mwewa stated that the defence force was an arm of government that was constitutionally mandated to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests of the Republic of Zambia, and to serve the people of Zambia.
”In carrying out this mandate, the Defence Force operates in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic, while ensuring that National interest is upheld and safeguarded at all times,” Colonel Mwewa stated. “The Zambia Army, as a component of the Defence Force, therefore remains firmly committed to its professional responsibility of fostering peace, security and stability in the Republic, including providing support to civil authorities when called upon to do so in accordance with the law.”
The Army urged political players, commentators, social media users and all members of the public to exercise responsibility and restraint when discussing matters relating to national security and the defence force.
”Public discourse is an important part of a democratic society; however, it must be conducted within the bounds of the Constitution and the law,” Colonel Mwewa stated. “The Army particularly cautions against the deliberate publication or dissemination of false, defamatory, threatening or misleading statements concerning the institution or individual members of the Defence Force. While legitimate criticism and public discussion are not in themselves unlawful, those who knowingly cross the line into conduct prohibited by law should be mindful that such conduct may attract appropriate legal consequences.”
He stated that the Army would not be drawn into partisan political discourse as its allegiance remained to the Republic of Zambia and its people, and that its personnel will continue to discharge their duties with professionalism, discipline, impartiality and respect for the Constitution and the laws of the Republic.
The Army further reaffirms that its role is not to participate in political contestation, but to contribute to the preservation of the peace, security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Zambia in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
They urged political actors, commentators and members of the media to refrain from unnecessarily politicising the defence force or attributing political motives to its constitutional responsibilities.
”Peace and national security belong to every Zambian. We must therefore collectively safeguard the stability, unity and peace of the Republic and allow our Defence and Security Forces to perform their lawful duties without being drawn into political divisions,” stated Colonel Mwewa. “The Zambia Army remains resolute in its commitment to serve and protect the Republic of Zambia and its people, and to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the Republic.”
