Zambia pledges more troops, aircraft to UN peacekeeping operations

Zambia has pledged to deploy additional personnel and aircraft for United Nations peacekeeping operations, including a Military Police Company, two Platoons Mixed Engagement Teams, a Medium Utility Helicopter Unit, and an Air Ambulance.

The commitment was made during the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference held in Berlin, Germany, according to a statement issued Thursday by Ministry of Defence Spokesperson, Paul Shalala.

Zambia’s delegation was led by Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, who made the pledge on behalf of the government.

The delegation included Zambia Army Commander Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Zyeele, Zambia Army Secretary Brig. Gen. Dr. David Sanene, and Brig. Gen. Oliver Musonda, Military Advisor at Zambia’s UN Mission in New York.

Speaking on behalf of Defence Minister, Ambrose Lufuma, Haamaundu told the conference that UN member states must invest in strengthening UN Police and fully implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

He also urged the responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles to improve operational efficiency and transparency in peacekeeping.

“Greener and safer peacekeeping is a fundamental necessity. Equally vital is our ability to communicate strategically, counter misinformation, and foster trust with the communities we serve,” Haamaundu said.

He added that peacekeeping efforts must respond to the climate crisis, and emphasized the importance of collaboration with regional organizations, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2719.

“Our task is to collaboratively build a peacekeeping architecture fit for both the present and the future. Let us rise to this occasion with unity and determination,” Haamaundu said.

Zambia is among the top troop-contributing countries to the UN, with a Zambia Army battalion currently serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The two-day Ministerial Conference, opened on May 13 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, serves as a platform for UN Member States to reaffirm and strengthen their support for global peacekeeping operations.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.