Governments rejects allegations against Army Commander

The Zambian government has moved swiftly to address and unequivocally reject recent allegations circulating in various public forums regarding statements purportedly made by Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele. The allegations, which gained traction on social media and some online platforms, suggested that Lieutenant General Zyeele had made remarks concerning the maintenance of public order before, during, and after politically sensitive events, thereby raising questions about the military's neutrality and its role in the country's democratic processes. In a statement issued from Lusaka, government spokespersons expressed profound concern over what they termed as malicious and unfounded claims designed to undermine public confidence in national institutions. They clarified that the Zambia Army, under the command of Lieutenant General Zyeele, remains a professional and non-partisan institution dedicated solely to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Zambia. The government reiterated that the Army's mandate is clearly defined by the constitution and existing statutes, focusing on national security and assisting civil authorities when called upon, strictly within legal frameworks. Sources within the Ministry of Defence indicated that the allegations might stem from misinterpretations or deliberate distortions of the Army Commander's previous public addresses, which consistently emphasize the importance of peace, unity, and adherence to the rule of law. It is understood that Lieutenant General Zyeele has, on numerous occasions, stressed the military's readiness to ensure stability, a standard posture for any national defence force, without delving into partisan politics. The government's swift rebuttal aims to prevent these unsubstantiated claims from creating unnecessary alarm or eroding the trust between the public and the armed forces, especially in a nation that prides itself on its democratic stability. T