A Zambian soldier, Sergeant Alick Banda, has died while serving on an international peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Friday, Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma said Sergeant Banda died in the line of duty while deployed under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Minister described the fallen soldier as disciplined and dedicated, noting that his death occurred during official operations aimed at stabilising conflict-affected areas and protecting civilians.
Mr. Lufuma said Sergeant Banda was part of a Zambian contingent assigned to peacekeeping duties following Zambia’s commitment to international security efforts under the United Nations framework. Zambia has, over the years, contributed troops to various UN missions, particularly across Africa, as part of its defence and foreign policy obligations.
The Minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the government and the people of Zambia, stating that the country had lost a soldier who served with professionalism and courage. He added that the Zambia Army and the Ministry of Defence would provide the necessary support to the family during the period of mourning.
According to the statement, arrangements are underway to repatriate Sergeant Banda’s remains in line with military procedures and United Nations protocols. Burial details, the Minister said, would be announced after consultations with the family and relevant authorities are concluded.
Sergeant Banda’s death adds to the number of Zambian soldiers who have lost their lives while serving on international peacekeeping assignments. Zambia remains one of the African countries that consistently contribute troops to UN missions in regions affected by armed conflict and political instability.
Mr. Lufuma said the sacrifice made by Sergeant Banda reflects Zambia’s continued commitment to global peace and regional stability, adding that the late soldier’s service would be remembered as part of the country’s long-standing contribution to international peacekeeping.
Source: News Diggers, Friday, January 9, 2026
Section: Local News / Defence
Clarification: This report concerns Zambia Army Sergeant Alick Banda and is unrelated to the separate, ongoing matter involving Archbishop Alick Banda.
Condolences to the soldier and his family, but ought to say what is the strange headline all about
Condolences to the soldier and his family, but ought to say what a strange headline all about
I ask what are the excliamations for ??
Alarmist journalism inciting readers to click for fake news. How can an Alick Banda who has never been in the news draw a headline like that?
Obviously by feeding on the other Newsmaker namesake. What cheap journalism!
From Yesterday they’ve reported with scanty facts. They still don’t tell us how our soldier died
This is sensational and hopeless journalism, the headline is hoodwinking. The other day I was posting stuff on LT, only to be confronted with a message saying ” slow down, you are posting too quickly” . I don’t know whether the comedian who sent me that was from LT or shushushu