Government has moved to clarify remarks made by Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele after public concern arose over his use of the word “exterminate” in reference to illegal miners operating in Mufumbwe District.
Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma said the Army Commander’s comments had been misunderstood and insisted that the military’s mandate in the area was to restore order and protect licensed mining operations, not to harm civilians.
The controversy stems from a recent statement attributed to Lt. Gen. Zyeele during briefings on operations targeting illegal mining activities in the Kikonge Gold Mine area. His use of the term “exterminate” sparked alarm among civil-society groups, political figures, and sections of the public, who interpreted the language as suggesting extreme force against citizens.
Lufuma clarified that the Army was not engaged in indiscriminate action against miners but was instead enforcing the law in coordination with other security agencies.
He explained that the military had been deployed to support police and regulatory authorities in removing illegal miners from restricted mining zones, where unregulated activity has raised concerns over safety, environmental damage, and criminal networks.
According to Lufuma, the intention of the Army’s involvement is to ensure that only licensed operators conduct mining activities in designated areas, while protecting national resources and maintaining public order.
The Defence Minister stressed that Zambia remains governed by the rule of law and that security forces are expected to operate within legal and constitutional limits.
Lt. Gen. Zyeele later clarified his remarks, stating that the objective of military operations was not to physically eliminate individuals but to eradicate illegal mining activity from targeted zones.
He explained that his words had been taken out of context and reiterated that the Army’s role was to support lawful enforcement, not to inflict harm on civilians.
The Army Commander also indicated that the operation in Mufumbwe had been conducted in collaboration with multiple state agencies, including law enforcement and regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing mining activities.
Authorities maintain that illegal mining has become a growing concern in parts of North-Western Province, with reports of unsafe practices, revenue losses to the state, and increasing involvement of organised groups in illicit mineral extraction.
Government officials say security interventions are intended to curb criminal activity, protect licensed investors, and prevent environmental degradation linked to uncontrolled mining.
However, opposition political leaders and civic voices have raised concerns about the tone and messaging used by state officials, warning that inflammatory language risks heightening tensions and eroding public trust.
Some leaders have called for greater transparency regarding the scope of military operations in mining areas and have urged authorities to prioritise economic alternatives for communities dependent on artisanal mining for survival.
The matter has also reignited discussion about the broader management of Zambia’s mineral sector, particularly how government balances enforcement, livelihoods, and investor protection.
Officials insist that while illegal mining cannot be tolerated, responses must remain lawful, measured, and respectful of human rights.
Government says further communication will emphasise responsible language in public statements and reinforce clarity around the objectives of security operations.
Your headline once again is an exaggeration of what the minister said.
He said “misunderstood”’, NOT “Misused”as you are falsely saying.
I have seen the full transcript of the commanders utterances and her was very exact when saying that these foreign mercenaries will be exterminated.
And he is absolutely correct.
The army exists to protect Zambia from threats from foreigners and especially those with military training. The police to deal with internal lawbreakers.
How can one misunderstand “exterminate”? It just means Eliminate, get rid off obliterate. That’s certainly what the commander meant. The politicians belatedly saw how dangerous the statement was and are busy trying to apply first aid to the speech.
Now they have to create another meaning: safe enough for civilian talk. Soldiers aren’t good at language so perhaps they should have a civilian public relations officer to prepare their speeches.
gaza
So now even government agrees that the army commander should not have used that term but he has still not apologized.
No one misunderstood the army commander, he meant what said. He’s walking back his words because of widespread concern and condemnation.
Sishuwa mwebantu
army guys and grammar don’t march together. I was eavesdropping on the Green Buffaloes bench one afternoon.
They only know “open fire!!” “Attack!”
Consequency management?