IG Musamba Applauds SACCORD-DCAF Project to Strengthen Police Accountability and Electoral Security
The Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba has commended Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) and Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) for launching a project to encourage integrity and accountability in the Zambia Police Service.
This was at the launch of the SACCORD/DCAF three-year project dubbed “Strengthening the Accountability of the Zambia Police and Ensuring Effective Security During Elections and Beyond” at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka yesterday.
He said the project seeks to bolster the integrity and accountability of the Zambia Police Service particularly leading up to elections and beyond.
The initiative focuses on the importance of effective security measures in maintaining peace and order.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Musamba said the police play a pivotal role in safeguarding democracy and public safety.
“The accountability of the Zambia Police Service is not just a duty; it is a cornerstone of the democratic process in our nation,” he said, adding that the service was fully aware of the growing expectations of the public.
“Our people desire a police service that is professional, accountable, and firmly rooted in the principles of democratic governance and human rights,” he said.
Mr Musamba said the police would work to restore and strengthen public trust in the service beyond the electoral cycle.
The Inspector General of Police, who acknowledged the magnitude of the task, was optimistic that the project would succeed.
He assured stakeholders who included civil society, cooperating partners and the Zambian people that the police service was ready to engage collaboratively in all areas requiring reform.
“We deeply appreciate your valuable support as our partners. We fully recognise that the responsibility to implement this initiative rests squarely on us, and we are led by those entrusted with the duty to serve and protect,” Mr. Musamba said.
Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Johan Hallenborg reiterated his country’s commitment to support democratic governance and security in Zambia.
“The partnership between Zambia and Sweden reflects our shared values of transparency and accountability,” he said.
Mr Hallenborg said the SACCORD/DCAF project was a decisive step towards not only ensuring security during elections but also fostering an environment where all citizens coul participate freely and fairly in the democratic process.
DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance representative Sophie Frediani expressed her enthusiasm for the project.
Dr Frediani said the initiative would empower the Zambia Police Service through training, capacity building, and the establishment of effective oversight mechanisms.
She highlighted the project’s potential impact and the importance of collaboration.
SACCORD Chairperson Jolly Kamwanga welcomed the support the project had received from all stakeholders.
Dr Kamwanga was the initiative was important in ensuring an effective and smooth journey towards a more transparent, accountable and citizen-centric law enforcement system.
The SACCORD-DCAF project marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s journey to achieve a more accountable police service that could ensure effective security during elections and to foster trust in law enforcement for the benefit of the nation well beyond the electoral cycle.
