Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele
* Challenges faced by the continent are complex and multifaceted, ranging from political instability, armed conflict to economic disparities and social inequities
* Addressing the challenges Africa face “requires not just military might, but a robust legal framework that supports peace and security as foundational pillars for development
* After MDF Commander, General Valentino Phiri had said defence forces not only protect citizens from external threats but also contribute to peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts and nation-building
By Duncan Mlanjira
Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele has emphasised that African countries “need not be reminded of the intricate relationship between peace, security and socio-economic development”, adding that the challenges faced by the continent are “complex and multifaceted, ranging from political instability, armed conflict to economic disparities and social inequities”.
He said this at Mulungushi International Convention Centre in Lusaka, Zambia during the 24th African Bar Association conference 2024 — held under the theme; ‘Legal Framework for Peace and Security as the Backbone of Socio-economic Development in Africa: The Role of the Military and Security Agencies in Development’.
Delegates at the conference
His speech also resonated with what Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander, General Dr. Paul Valentino Phiri said — that defence forces “not only protect citizens from external threats but also contribute to peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts and nation-building”.
In his speech, Lieutenant General Zyeele said addressing the challenges Africa face “requires not just military might, but a robust legal framework that supports peace and security as foundational pillars for development”.
“The military plays a pivotal role in this framework; we are not merely protectors of our nations sovereignty but also active participants in the broader development narrative.
“Our responsibilities extend beyond the battlefield; we are often called upon to assist in humanitarian missions, disaster response and community development projects. This evolution of the military’s role underscores the necessity for a comprehensive legal framework that not only defines our duties but also ensures accountability, transparency and respect for human rights.”
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He took cognizance that in many African nations, the military has stepped into roles traditionally held by civilian agencies during times of crisis, which demonstrates the commitment to the welfare of the citizenry.
“We must acknowledge that security transcends the mere absence of conflict as it encompasses the presence of just, fairness and opportunity for every individual. It is through a secure and stable environment that we can foster sustainable socio-economic growth, enabling our nations to strive.”
He thus emphasised that the collaboration between the military and security agencies and the legal community “is essential” and that such partnership “must be built on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding of [the military’s] roles and responsibilities”.
At the conference, co-hosted by the Law Society of Zambia, Malawi’s General Peter Namathanga, Rtd was awarded Merit in Leadership Award for playing a monumental role to ensure peaceful elections in 2020 and smooth handover of power from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Tonse Alliance.
He has since been appointed by President Lazarus Chakwera as Malawi Ambassador to Zimbabwe and thus, Lieutenant General Zyeele implored on the delegates that they must “remain steadfast” shared goal: “to create a peaceful, prosperous Africa where all citizens thrive.”
Thus the speech resonated with MDF Commander, General Valentino Phiri’s keynote address; ‘The Role of Defence Forces in a Democracy’, who said the “military should always maintain the apolitical posture to objectively uphold the constitutional order and protect the citizenry on a non-partisan manner”.
He added with emphasis that “service members are citizens first and soldiers second — therefore, patriotism is key to ensure that military is employed to defend and develop one’s country”.
In a world where peace and stability can sometimes seem elusive, General Valentino Phiri added that “African defence forces stand as the bedrock of security; They safeguard our sovereignty, respond to crises, and uphold the values we hold dear”.
“Their dedication and professionalism are instrumental in navigating the complexities of modern-day threats and ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens.”
He further said “the roles of the military are dynamic and ever-evolving, adapting to the changing landscape of global security”.
The MDF Commander’s presentation focused on ‘why peace and development are linked to security’, ‘the concept of human security’, ‘the meaning of democracy’, ‘the roles of the military in a democracy’, ‘how militaries ensure international peace and confidence building’ and ‘the importance of involvement in regional, continental and international bodies’.
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