800 Soldiers Off to Sierra Leone

The Times of Zambia (Ndola)
NEWS
February 19, 2004
Posted to the web February 20, 2004

THE Zambia Army is sending an 821-man contingent to Sierra Leone for United
Nations (UN) peace building duties.
Officiating at the farewell parade in Kalulushi at South Downs air strip for
the contingent, which was likely to be the last, Defence Deputy Minister
Wamundila Muliokela urged the soldiers to uphold discipline.
Mr Muliokela said the previous Zambian battalions which had served on the UN
missions had maintained the good name of the country.
He said the Zambian battalion six (Zambat 6) currently in Sierra Leone had
exhibited high level of discipline and it was incumbent upon the seventh
battalion to emulate the good behaviour.
He urged the group, drawn from various units on the Copperbelt, to follow the
rules of engagement and expressed confidence that they would perform
accordingly.
The deputy minister said the soldiers should remain cautious against challenges
which may arise during the course of their duties.
"Do not fail the nation because your performance will determine the country's
future peace keeping efforts for the country," he said.
He also commended the command for adequately preparing the troops for the
mission, despite the financial difficulties and stressed the need for the
soldiers to look after their equipment.
And Army Commander Isaac Chisuzi urged the soldiers to utilise the knowledge
they had acquired during the rigorous pre- deployment training.
Gen Chisuzi said Zambia was a signatory to different UN conventions hence its
consistent contribution to UN peace keeping missions.
The army commander advised the soldiers to be impartial, but firm when
conducting duties according to UN stipulated rules.
He said the sixth Zambian battalion currently in Sierra Leone from whom the
seventh battalion will take over upon arrival there, had done well and it was
the duty of the last group to do even better.
The army commander also warned the soldiers to take necessary precautions
against the HIV/AIDS.
"I also urge you to look after yourselves well as the HIV/AIDS pandemic is
ravaging right through the whole continent.
"Take necessary precautions to avoid contracting HIV. I am sure you can abstain
from acts that will expose you to infection, " he warned.
Gen Chisuzi told the soldiers to respect the local traditions and culture and
warned that he would not hesitate to withdraw any one failing to observe
discipline.

   

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