By HELLEN TEMBO –
ZAMBIA has sent 530 peacekeepers to the Central African Republic (CAR) on a United Nations (UN) stabilisation mission.
Defence Minister, Richwell Siamunene said Zambia had once again continued providing troops to the UN towards the attainment of peace and security in war torn countries.
Mr Siamunene said at the send off parade of the Second Zambia Battalion (ZAMBATT II) yesterday  that the troops were expected to carry out their mandate impartially and act professionally in all the tasks.
“Our troops are proceedings to Central African Republic when both the political and security situation in the country is calm but unpredictable,” he said.
Mr Siamunene said Government would remain committed to providing the much needed support to the defence in order to enhance their capabilities.
He said Government was proud of the performance of the Zambian peacekeepers who had worked with the UN and the African Union in various missions world over, owing to their professionalism and discipline that they were highly rated of.
Army Commander Paul Mihova said the soldiers were adequately prepared, mentally, physically and psychologically for the task  ahead of them.
Lieutenant General Mihova said through the missions, Zambian troops had gained the much needed experience vital to military operations and for effective operational interaction within the SADC peacekeeping framework through the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) standby force.
He said missions enabled both the Government and individual officers and soldiers to contribute to peace and security in some African countries where there was a breakdown of peace and security.
“The battalion’s pre-deployment training took into account the physical, security, cultural and religious factors under which the troops will operate. We are therefore optimistic that troops will operate to the required standard needed for them to operate in the fluid mission in CAR,” Lt Gen Mihova said.