Zambia: The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has scaled up deployment to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) by deploying a force protection Regiment Unit in line with the Peace Support Operations Standards.
Speaking during the send-off parade, ZAF Commander Lt Gen Colin Barry said his Command was committed to supporting the Zambian Government’s peace efforts to stabilize the Cabo Delgado region of Northern Mozambique.
“Currently, the Zambia Air Force is the only Service from the Zambia Defence Force deployed under SAMIM. We will continue to service the Mission with airlift capability through the employment of the C-27J. The Regiment Unit being deployed today will be responsible for base protection, and security of storage facilities and air asserts,” Lt Gen Barry said.
The Air Force Commander spoke highly of SAMIM, saying that it had registered numerous achievements, including the recapture of villages, dislodging of terrorists from their bases, creation of safe passage for humanitarian aid and facilitation of the return to normal life for Internally Displaced People.
Lt Gen Barry called on the personnel being deployed to be security conscious at all times, saying the nature of the operation demanded alertness and agility. He directed the Unit to be disciplined, noting that operating in an international and multi-dimensional setting requires discipline.
Meanwhile, ZAF Chief of Operations, Brig Gen Arthur Kalaluka, said he was confident that the Unit was combat capable following the vigorous pre-deployment training.
Brig Gen Kalaluka said that the Unit was expected to maintain its combat capability throughout the tour of duty in the mission area.
SAMIM was established on 15 July 2021 following approval by the Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State held on 23 June 2021. This was the regional response to support the Republic of Mozambique in combating terrorism and stabilizing that country’s Northern region.
The President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Force, Hakainde Hichilema committed resources to SAMIM and the Air Force promptly deployed.
The Zambia Air Force will continue to contribute to the peace efforts within the region because insecurity anywhere has the potential to spread insecurity everywhere.
The Zambia Air Force Defend and supports