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Green Party president, Peter Sinkamba, has urged Zambia Army and its leadership led by Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele to reduce his public visibility ahead of the August 13 general election, arguing that the military should only become involved in domestic security matters when constitutionally required.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Sinkamba said although he did not question Lt Gen Zyeele’s patriotism or commitment to protecting national security, the Army Commander’s recent public appearances and statements had generated public concern.
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“The recent public pronouncements and heightened visibility of Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele have understandably sparked intense national debate as we approach the August 13, 2026 election,” Sinkamba said.
He said the military’s public engagement on election-related matters at this stage risked sending the wrong message to citizens.
“While we do not question the commander’s patriotism or his desire to maintain national security during and after the 2026 elections, the timing and public nature of these interventions are deeply concerning,” he said.
Sinkamba argued that maintaining internal peace and order remained the responsibility of the Zambia Police Service, while the Army should remain on standby to respond only when formally called upon through constitutional procedures.
“In any thriving democracy, internal security and domestic law enforcement belong squarely to the Zambia Police Service. The Zambia Army is our ultimate shield against external threats, a force of last resort kept in reserve to protect national sovereignty,” he said.
He further warned that public military messaging before any internal security crisis had emerged could heighten anxiety among voters and create the perception that civilian institutions were unable to manage the electoral process.
“Deploying military rhetoric or signalling troop readiness during civilian processes, well before any internal crisis has manifested, risks creating an atmosphere of fear and voter anxiety. It inadvertently sends a message that our civilian institutions are fragile or, worse, that the State is relying on military might to maintain order,” Sinkamba said.
He appealed to Lt Gen Zyeele to allow the Zambia Police Service to lead security operations during the election period and for the Army to remain in a state of readiness until formally requested to assist.
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