Two Zambian soldiers who died while serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) have been honoured posthumously by the United Nations.
Staff Sergeant Alick Banda and Corporal Steve Muloke Sakachoma were recognised for their service and sacrifice during a memorial ceremony held at the UN Headquarters in New York yesterday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres conferred the honours during an event dedicated to paying tribute to peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving in conflict and post-conflict areas around the world.
Corporal Sakachoma died on June 20, 2025, after sustaining gunshot wounds during an attack while on duty in the Central African Republic.
Staff Sergeant Banda died on December 29, 2025, following an illness during his deployment with the peacekeeping mission.
The Zambia Army reports that the recognition by the UN is in honour of the soldiers’ contribution to international peace and security and their ultimate sacrifice while serving under the MINUSCA.
The ceremony, attended by diplomats, senior UN officials and representatives of member states, was held days after Zambia joined other countries in commemorating the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers under the theme, “Invest in Peace”.
Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr Chola Milambo, and Zambia’s Military Adviser to the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Brigadier General Oliver Musonda, received the honours on behalf of the two deceased soldiers.
My profound respects to Sergeant Alick Banda and Corporal Steve Muloke Sakachoma . Thank you for serving Zambia and raising its profile with great integrity in foreign lands.