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The Zambia Army has called for responsibility and restraint in public discourse, warning against attempts to drag the Defence Force into political debate.
Zambia Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sydney Mwewa, said the Army had noted with concern the increasing tendency by some political commentators and social media users to draw the institution into political discourse.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Mwewa said the statements, commentary and narratives being circulated misrepresent its constitutional role and mandate.
Mwewa reminded the public of the constitutional position of the Defence Force in Zambia’s governance and security architecture.
“The Zambia Army wishes to remind the public that the Defence Force is an arm of Government constitutionally mandated to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests of the Republic of Zambia, and to serve the people of Zambia,” he said.
Mwewa further outlined that in carrying out its mandate, the Defence Force operated in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic.
“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,” he stated.
Mwewa emphasized that maintaining peace and security was not the sole responsibility of the military but a collective duty.
He stated that it was important for the public to appreciate that the maintenance of peace and national security was a shared responsibility, noting that the Defence Force worked together with other security institutions.
“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 said.
He appealed directly to political players, commentators, social media users and members of the public to be measured in their discussions.
“The Zambia Army urges 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,” Mwewa stated.
He also issued a caution on the publication of harmful content targeting the institution and its personnel.
“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,” Mwewa stated.
He clarified the Army’s position on partisan politics, reiterating its commitment to professionalism and the Constitution.
Mwewa further reaffirmed the Army’s role in preserving peace and sovereignty, not to engage in political contestation.
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