By Lt Col Helen Chota
The Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Colin Barry visited to the United Nations Department Peace Operations (UNDPO) Headquarters and represented the interests of the Zambia Defence Force at several meetings with United Nations officials.
The Air Force Commander held a meeting with the UN Office of Military Affairs (OMA) Military Advisor, General Birame Diop on 18 April 2023.
During the meeting, General Diop said he values Zambia’s participation in regional military peace operations which he said contributed to the attainment of world peace. He recognized that Zambia contributes 19% of women in peace operations which is much higher than the World average which is at 8%. He also noted that the Zambia Army Female Engagement Team in the Central African Republic (CAR) had raised Zambia’s profile because the team had proved very effective in the handling cases of sexual exploitation and violence.
General Diop observed that Zambia’s record in UN Peacekeeping Operations was exemplary and that Zambia was ranked the 20th World’s largest contributor of troops and equipment. He also said there were no reports of disciplinary cases and that Zambian troops and Military Observers (MILOBs) were well accepted in the mission area because of their good conduct and disposition. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Barry reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment towards supporting the peacekeeping efforts and said the President Hakainde Hichilema was resolved to safeguarding regional peace.
“The ultimate success of peacekeeping efforts depends largely on the active and sustainable political will and processes. The President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated his commitment to supporting peacekeeping efforts in the region through the continued contribution of troops and Military Observers to various United Nations Peace Operations and more recently by dedicating resources to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM),” Lt Gen Barry said.
Lt Gen Barry said the invitation to discuss Zambia’s pledges to UN Peace Operations had come at short notice but was accepted because Zambia is committed to fulfilling the pledges.
“We are well prepared in terms of pre-deployment training and equipment and have experience from the SAMIM and other UN Peace Operations, to undertake peacekeeping operations. A lot of work has gone into the preparations following the United Nations Assessment Advisory Visit (AAV) and the Pre-deployment Visit (PDV),” Lt Gen Barry said. Both parties agreed that it was time to elevate Zambia’s pledges of a Medium Utility Helicopter (MUH), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), an infantry Battalion and a Level II and Level IV Hospital.
On 19 April 2023, the Lt Gen Barry met with the Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
Lt Gen Barry assured the Under-Secretary General that President Hakainde was interested in increasing Zambia’s troop presence in peacekeeping operations in support of the UN’s efforts to maintain peace and security the world over.
“Zambia has pledged more assets in the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness Systems (PCRS) because it is important to provide African solutions to Africa’s problems as home-grown solutions are often holistic in nature,” Lt Gen Barry said.
And Mr. Lacroix thanked Zambia for being professional in peacekeeping operations. He said Zambian troops exhibit excellent and good levels of discipline which his office is notified about.
Mr. Lacroix is expected in Zambia in a few weeks’ time and he said he was looking forward to the visit.
During his visit Lt Gen Barry also paid a courtesy call on His Excellency, Dr. Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations at the Mission in New York. The two discussed various issues, among them the programme to enhance Zambia’s contribution to global peace and security through peace keeping missions. The Zambia Air Force Commander was accompanied by senior Defence and Security officers from the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia Police Service.
