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Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Johan Hallenborg, has pledged his country’s continued support for democratic governance and security in Zambia.
Ambassador Hallenborg said the partnership between Zambia and Sweden reflects the two countries’ shared values of transparency and accountability.
He was speaking on Monday during the launch of a three-year project by the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) and the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).
The project, titled “Strengthening the Accountability of the Zambia Police and Ensuring Effective Security During Elections and Beyond,” was launched at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
“The SACCORD/DCAF project is a decisive step towards not only ensuring security during elections, but also fostering an environment where all citizens can participate freely and fairly in the democratic process,” Hallenborg said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Sophie Frediani, representative of DCAF–Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, said the initiative aims to empower the Zambia Police Service through training, capacity building, and the establishment of effective oversight mechanisms.
Frediani emphasized the project’s potential to make a meaningful impact through collaboration with the Zambian government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, assured civil society, cooperating partners, and the public that the police service was ready to collaborate on necessary reforms.
“We deeply appreciate your valuable support as our partners. We fully recognize that the responsibility to implement this initiative rests squarely on us as those entrusted to serve and protect,” Musamba said.
He noted that the police would work to rebuild and strengthen public trust in the service, both during and beyond the electoral cycle.
“Accountability in the Zambia Police Service is not just a duty; it is a cornerstone of our democratic process,” he said, adding that the service is aware of the public’s growing expectations.
“Our people desire a police service that is professional, accountable, and grounded in the principles of democratic governance and human rights,” Musamba stated.
SACCORD Chairperson, Jolly Kamwanga, also welcomed the wide support the initiative had received from stakeholders.
He added the project was an important step toward a more transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric law enforcement system.
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