Citizens key in the security of the country -Alibuzwi

The Zambia Army Commander Sitali Alibuzwi says although the Defence and Security wings are the main players in the maintenance of national security, they must understand that every citizen is a stakeholder and must be ably informed about what their Army is doing in this regard.

Lieutenant General Alibuzwi says it is the reason why the Army should always be a people’s Army so that we demystify old school thinking of the Army being secluded from the community.

In a speech read on his behalf by Zambia Army Deputy Commander Geoffrey Zyeele in Lusaka yesterday,

Lt. Gen. Alibuzwi said the Army exists for the people and should therefore serve the interests of the nation and that of its citizens.

Gen. Alibuzwi said national security was very crucial to the development of the country and it entails the ability of the country’s government to protect citizens, economy and other institutions.

“The Zambia Army is the most strategic instrument of national power charged with the responsibility of preserving our sovereignty and defending the territorial integrity of the Republic of Zambia,” Gen. Alibuzwi said.

At a one-day Zambia Army Media Interaction at Arakan Barracks in Lusaka, the Army Commander urged the media to verify their news before publishing it.

He said a question in mind is a story going round on social media in Eswatini that 30 Zambian soldiers are in that country for undisclosed mission.

“When in fact the officers are on regional study tour of staff colleges in other African countries,” said Gen. Alibuzwi.