Zambia Confirms Its Ongoing Commitment to International Peace and Stability

President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to global peace in a meeting with United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix at State House.

President Hichilema reiterated his stance that peace is a necessary building-block for development and progress. He promised that Zambia “shall continue our contributions to peacekeeping efforts, as we believe instability in any part of the world affects stability everywhere. We also firmly understand that peace is a fundamental prerequisite for economic development”.

Zambia’s involvement in UN peacekeeping missions began in 1988, when Zambian troops were deployed as part of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Iraq. Zambian forces continue to participate in UN missions, and a large portion of the nation’s contribution is serving in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic, known as MINUSCA.

In August, Zambia will take Chairmanship of the Peace and Security arm of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). To this end, Mr. Hichilema sought assurances from Mr. Lacroix that the UN would continue to help maintain peace and security in the Southern African region. Also discussed was Zambia’s contribution to other peacekeeping initiatives that abide by Zambia’s foreign policy model of peaceful resolution and multilateral negotiation.

Zambia’s dedication to promoting global peace is one aspect of its multi-faceted approach to fostering stability and security as the foundation for prosperity. President Hichilema’s UPND government continues to recognise the social and economic value of peace and security, and Zambia’s pivotal role in peacekeeping missions across the continent is strengthening its status as a key regional player.