Army Commander warns soldiers to avoid politics

Army Commander warns soldiers to avoid politics
By Roy Habaalu
Mon 27 Dec. 2010, 04:01 CAT

Lieutenant General Lopa: Stay away from politics, and this applies to all your spouses. Next year is a challenging year because the country is going for elections
THE Zambia Army Commander has warned of stern action against any soldier who will take a partisan stance as the country goes to the polls next year.

Officiating at the annual ball for warrant officers and sergeants on Friday, Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa said politics should be left to politicians.

“Stay away from politics, and this applies to all your spouses. Next year is a challenging year because the country is going for elections,” said Lt Gen Lopa, who was represented by chief of operations and training Brigadier General John Bulawayo.

Lt Gen Lopa said Army officers should maintain high standards of discipline, which the unit was known for.

“Next year will be critical for us, but as professionals, we will not be bothered. I am aware that the Zambia Army has fulfilled most of its tasks for 2010. I also want to thank you for the support you rendered to your commanding officers. This is commendable and as it should be. You should continue giving examples to the entire Army,” Lt Gen Lopa said.

He commended Zambian soldiers deployed in African countries on peacekeeping missions for their loyalty.

He said his office was in the process of acquiring new equipment to make the officers’ work easy.
The equipment to be acquired includes operational vehicles, communications equipment and armoured vehicles.

On HIV/AIDS, Lt Gen Lopa said the virus had not spared the Army.

“Even as you interact tonight, don’t forget about this animal called AIDS. This disease has not spared the Army, so we need to combat this disease and be prudent as we mingle this evening,” said Lt Gen Lopa.