NO US MILITARY BASE IN ZAMBIA- GOVT
By Robert Mwanza:
Defence Minister AMBROSE LUFUMA says Zambia has no intention of establishing or housing any military bases on her soil through the USA African Command -AFRICOM.
Mr. LUFUMA says contrary to assertions, the office being created is one for Security Cooperation which will be based at the US Embassy in Lusaka.
He says the office will work with the Zambian defence force to enhance military to military relations, expand areas of cooperation in force management and modernisation, as well as military professionalism among other things.
Mr. LUFUMA has further clarified that the US-Africa command -AFRICOM being referred to on social media platforms is based in Germany and the Government under the UPND Alliance has NOT at any given time agreed to move it to Zambia.
In a statement this evening, the Minister warned all perpetrators of such misinformation on social media meant to tarnish Zambia’s existing cordial relationship with neighbouring countries and strategic partners, to desist or face the wrath of the law as such hinges on the security and territorial integrity of the nation.
Mr. LUFUMA has also advised the Zambian Media to avoid issuing false statements on Defence and Security matters without consulting the Ministry of Defence.
In the recent past, social media has been awash with varying information with respect to the establishment of the United States Security Cooperation office by the government of the United States of America in Zambia.
