Stop threatening citizens, Army chief, Zyeele told

By MUBITA KATETE

A COALITION of civil society organisations has expressed grave concern Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele has been threatening citizens with unknown reprisals for expressing dissent in the manner the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is condunting the August general election.

Lt Zyeele has warned that the Zambia Army would use its military personnel to ensure and enforce order before, during and after the August 13, 2026 general elections.

In a joint statement, Chapter One Foundation, Zambia Council of Social Development (ZCSD), the NGOCC, LSK Freedom Foundation, ADEG, Transparency Internal Zambia (TI-Z), Alliance for Community Action and ActionAid said the threats by the Army Commander were constitutionally improper and risked undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

“The Zambia Army exists for the defence of Zambia against external threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Its mandate does not extend to the maintenance of internal law and order, the policing of civilian populations, or the supervision of electoral processes,” the civil society organisations said.

The organisations argued that maintaining law and order during elections is the responsibility of the Zambia Police Service and warned against any move that could blur the constitutional separation between military and civilian law enforcement.

They also stated that military involvement in civilian affairs could create fear among citizens and discourage political participation.

“The August 2026 general elections must be conducted in an environment of freedom, safety and constitutional fidelity. The military has an honourable and vital role in this country but that role is the defence of our nation from external threats, not the policing of our own people,” the statement said.

The coalition has called on Lt-Gen Zyeele to clarify his remarks and urged the government, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the Electoral Commission of Zambia and political parties to uphold constitutional principles and ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.

Lt-Gen Zyeele warned recently that the military will not allow any form of mischief before, during, and after the August 13 general elections.

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