Zambia's Military Stands Firm: Army Warns Against Political Interference

The Zambia Army has issued a stern warning to political actors and commentators, urging them against drawing the military into partisan disputes. Army Spokesperson Colonel Sydney Mwewa unequivocally stated that the institution's allegiance remains solely with the Republic of Zambia and its people, rather than any specific political organization.

Colonel Mwewa highlighted a growing concern within the military regarding the increasing tendency among political commentators and social media users to attribute political motives to its operations and to individual officers. He affirmed that the Zambia Army will not be entangled in partisan political discourse, firmly committing to its professional responsibility.

The Army's constitutional responsibility is to defend Zambia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests, while also providing support to civil authorities when lawfully called upon. Mwewa underscored that Army personnel will continue to operate with the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, impartiality, and an unwavering respect for the Constitution and the laws of the Republic.

These statements emerge in the wake of an election period where the deployment and visibility of security forces became a focal point of political debate. Opposition figures and some election observers voiced concerns regarding the presence of military personnel during parts of the electoral process, while authorities maintained that such security deployments were essential for preserving public order and responding to identified threats.

Furthermore, the Army cautioned against the deliberate publication or dissemination of false, defamatory, threatening, or misleading claims involving the institution or its individual officers. It warned that such conduct, prohibited by law, could lead to legal consequences. Nevertheless, the Army acknowledged the distinction between unlawful conduct and legitimate scrutiny, stating that "legitimate criticism and public discussion are not in themselves unlawful."

Colonel Mwewa appealed directly to political players, commentators, social media users, the media, and all members of the public to exercise responsibility and restraint when discussing matters related to national security and the Defence Force. He emphasized that maintaining peace and national security is a shared responsibility, not the sole domain of the military, and that the Defence Force works collaboratively with other security institutions.

The Army reiterated its concern when its constitutional and professional duties are deliberately presented through a political lens, or when individual officers are drawn into speculative narratives intended to foster suspicion, fear, or hostility. Colonel Mwewa firmly reaffirmed that the Army's role is not to participate in political contestation, but rather to contribute to the preservation of peace, security, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of Zambia, in strict accordance with its constitutional mandate.