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(HERALD) Zambia’s service chiefs warn Sata

Zambia’s service chiefs warn Sata
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 02:00

LUSAKA. - THE desire to drag security forces into politics is not unique to Zimbabwe. According to reports, Zambia's Central Joint Operations Committee (CJOC) composed of the country's security wings recently warned Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata against making false claims that he has goodwill from the security systems.

The service chiefs said Mr Sata's statements were disparaging the security wings by casting aspersion on their character and credibility, which was grossly irregular because defence forces were by law loyal to the Government and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, President Rupiah Banda.

"We will continue to support the government of the day, the President and CommanderinChief of the armed forces (Rupiah Banda) and pledge to protect Zambians," he said.

At a joint Press briefing at the Zambia Army headquarters in Lusaka, CJOC chairperson and Zambia Army commander Wisdom Lopa said Mr Sata had continued propagating unfounded claims that he was receiving information and support from security wings.

Lieutenant General Lopa was flanked by Zambia Air Force (ZAF) commander Andrew Sakala, Zambia National Service (ZNS) commandant Anthony Yeta and Inspector General of Police, Francis Kabonde.

"It has sadly been observed that some politicians, in the course of their campaigns, have been quoted in the electronic media insinuating that some members of the defence and security wings are supporting them and informing them on what was happening in the various defence and security institutions," said Lt Gen Lopa.

"For example, on July 29, 2011, Mr Sata while speaking on (Catholic Church-owned) Yatsani Radio insinuated that the defence and security wings were feeding him with information related to the political campaigns and elections.

"These recurring statements are of concern as they stand to disparage the defence and security wings in the eyes of the citizenry," Gen Lopa said.

It is reported that during a live phone-in programme, the 74-year-old Sata said he knew everything that was happening because he had "informers" in the offices of all defence chiefs and the intelligence wing.

However, Gen Lopa said the defence and security wings would remain non partisan and would not accept to be drawn into political campaigns by individuals who wanted to use them to win votes in the September 20, 2011 presidential and general elections.

Gen Lopa said the national security wings could be divided if allowed to be drawn into politics and easily drift the nation into civil strife.

"In this regard, therefore, we wish to remind all politicians currently conducting their campaigns to discuss substantive issues of national development and not those which may take back the long strides achieved in peace, development and democracy," he said.

He assured the nation that security wings would remain steadfast in protecting the country's security, sovereignty and the citizens.

Gen Lopa also warned members of the defence and security wings against involvement in politics and advised those wishing to do so to quit the service.

"The Zambian defence and security wings have for long been associated with high levels of professionalism and integrity in their operations and known to have remained non partisan since the advent of multiparty politics in our country," he said.

He cautioned that individual members of the defence and security wings found to be involved in politics would be disciplined in line with the law.

Responding to accusations by the MDC that the security forces were involving themselves in political activities, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga recently said the

ZDF had no time discussing their constitutional mandate . . . with misguided elements that do not understand their operations.

"As a professional Defence Force, we will not be drawn into debating our constitutional mandate lest we join misguided elements of our society in barking at the image in the mirror and will therefore remain committed to fulfilling our role in the face of adversity.

"The ZDF deserves respect from all progressive Zimbabweans for their invaluable contribution to the liberation of Zimbabwe from colonial rule and for being the architects of the peace and stability that has continued to prevail in the country since independence," said Gen Chiwenga. - Times of Zambia/Africa Review/The Herald.

Labels: ARMED FORCES, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 3:44 PM