Zambia Commits Additional Troops and Helicopter Unit to UN Peacekeeping Missions
Zambia has reinforced its commitment to global peace and security by pledging additional military personnel and aviation resources to United Nations peacekeeping operations. The announcement was made at the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference held in Berlin, Germany.
Representing the country, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr. Maambo Haamaundu announced Zambia’s pledge of a Military Police Company, two Platoons of Mixed Engagement Teams, a Medium Utility Helicopter Unit, and an Air Ambulance. These contributions are aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and humanitarian response of UN peacekeeping missions.
Mr. Haamaundu, who led the Zambian delegation to the high-level conference, made the announcement on behalf of Defence Minister Mr. Ambrose Lufuma. He was accompanied by Zambia Army Commander Lt Gen Geoffrey Zyeele, Zambia Army Secretary Brig Gen Dr David Sanene, and Brig Gen Oliver Musonda, Military Advisor at the Zambian Mission to the UN in New York.
In his address to the conference, Mr. Haamaundu emphasized the need for strategic investment in UN policing capabilities, full implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles, to improve transparency and operational impact.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the need for climate-sensitive peacekeeping approaches. “Greener and safer peacekeeping is a fundamental necessity,” he stated. “Equally vital is our ability to communicate strategically, counter misinformation, and build trust with the communities we serve.”
Mr. Haamaundu emphasized that peacekeeping efforts require collaborative approaches and reaffirmed Zambia’s support for regional cooperation as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719. “Our task is to collaboratively build a peacekeeping architecture fit for both the present and the future. Let us rise to this occasion with unity and determination,” he urged fellow delegates.
Zambia is already a key troop-contributing country under the United Nations framework, with a Zambia Army battalion currently deployed in the Central African Republic under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA).
The two-day conference brought together defence and foreign affairs leaders from across the globe to discuss the future of UN peacekeeping, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. The conference was officially opened by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
