DEFENCE Minister Kalombo Mwansa has advised defence and security officers to be cautious and guard against politicians who may drag them into the political arena through their unguided statements.
Dr Mwansa said defence officers should be wary of politicians whose statements were aimed at diverting attention from their duties.
He said this in Lusaka during the Zambia Army countdown to 2010 annual ball dubbed ‘Sound leadership, Esprit de corps professionalism’ on Thursday night.
Dr Mwansa said the standard practice for the defence forces was to remain non-partisan, and cases of indiscipline would not be entertained and decisive action would be taken against those found wanting.
“We are aware of the fact that certain political players have tried to drag you into the political arena through unguided statements aimed at diverting attention from your core functions. The bedrock of a defence is good discipline,” Dr Mwansa said.
He, however, said the Government was gratified to note that the defence and security personnel had ignored such pronouncements but, instead, had remained steadfast and unwavering in the defence of the country and its citizens.
He said although the defence personnel had remained resolute and focused in the face of many challenges the country faced in 2009, the Government was working hard to address them through several projects embarked on in most military cantonments.
“There are several projects that have been embarked upon in most military cantonments. Those that could not be initiated in the just-ended financial year have been budgeted for in the 2010 Budget. I, therefore, implore you to remain patient as we embark on these projects this year,” Dr Mwansa said.
Despite instability in some neighboring countries, he said the defence forces should ensure all borders were manned effectively because the country’s foreign policy emphasised good neighbourliness, among other pillars of foreign policy.
On the international scene, he said Zambia was committed to the maintenance of peace and security, adding that the country would continue sending troops to countries engulfed in conflicts, and hailed the performance of the Zambian troops in peace-keeping missions.
Dr Mwansa commended the defence forces for implementing an HIV/AIDS work policy which had assisted in mitigating the pandemic as it had no boundaries and spared no profession, and urged the officers to be proactive by behaving responsibly.
Earlier, Zambia Army commander, Isaac Chisuzi said the army would remain focused and ready to defend the country’s sovereignty from both internal and external aggression.
General Chisuzi said the army would continue to undertake operations in the quest to keep all borders safe and secure, adding that they would be loyal to the Government of the day and the citizens.
On training, he said 2009 was one of most successful as training were conducted in both local and SADC regional exercises to improve skills of officers and soldiers to enhance professionalism.
“Internally, we managed to conduct a battle group exercise from July 16 to 23, 2009. The exercise was successful and incident-free. It involved participation from our sister service, the Zambia Air Force,” Gen Chisuzi said.
Times of Zambia
