Zambia Strengthens Standby Force to Tackle Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peace Support Operations
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, in partnership with the Zambia Defence Force (ZDF), has conducted a pre-deployment training for military, police, corrections, and civilian personnel on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in Peace Support Operations (PSOs). The training was held in Lusaka from 13–17 October 2025.
During the official opening, Mr Maambo Haamaundu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, emphasised that the military, police, and correctional services represent authority, discipline, and protection in conflict and post-conflict environments. He stressed that personnel in uniform should provide reassurance and safety, rather than fear or vulnerability.
Mr Haamaundu underlined that sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in peacekeeping missions, urging all officers to uphold humanity, integrity, and accountability. “Wherever Zambian and SADC personnel serve—under national, SADC, or UN banners—they must remain symbols of hope, justice, and humanity,” he said.
Brigadier Molatlhegi Ntelamo, Head of the SADC Planning Element, highlighted that the training aligns with international, continental, and regional frameworks, including the SADC Treaty, Vision 2050, and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).
He reiterated SADC’s zero-tolerance policy on SEA and noted the critical roles of military, police, and correctional personnel in protecting vulnerable populations and safeguarding the integrity of peace operations.
The training aimed to enhance the readiness of Zambia’s Standby Force to prevent, identify, respond to, and report incidents of SEA and CRSV. Key objectives included strengthening understanding of SEA and CRSV, familiarising personnel with legal frameworks, promoting a culture of zero tolerance, adopting survivor-centred reporting mechanisms, and enhancing inter-agency coordination.
This initiative is part of the European Union-funded ECESPA Programme, designed to strengthen SADC’s peace and security architecture for timely and coordinated responses to regional challenges.
Looking ahead, the ZDF, in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat and development partners, will continue sustained training and institutional reforms to integrate SEA and CRSV prevention into all aspects of peace mission planning. The lessons from this initiative will contribute to a regional effort to uphold the credibility of peace support operations, ensuring peacekeepers remain true to their mandate of protecting and serving with honour.
