U.S. Supports Zambian Peacekeeping Training

Lusaka- The Government of the United States is proud to have provided financial and technical support to fourth Zambia Battalion, ZAMBATT 4, going to the United Nations peacekeeping operations (MINUSCA) in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The U.S. Military has been providing Zambian Peacekeeping training and support since 2015.  For the latest training, the U.S. support is approximately (USD $1million) in monetary terms,  but the value of the training and equipment is priceless due to the lives that will be saved and changed for the better through ZAMBATT4.

All the training provided by the United States prepares the Zambian Battalion to support the UN’s mission in CAR.  The training includes; Protection of Civilians; Child Protection; Promotion and Protection of Human Rights; Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and Creation of a secure environment for the immediate, full, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The United States has also funded important infrastructure projects such as the construction of permanent barracks at Nanking. With regard to this investment, thanks to a unique partnership in which the United States funded construction materials and equipment, and the Zambia Army’s Engineering Battalion provided know-how and construction labor, future trainees in ZAMBATT 5 and beyond will benefit from permanent barracks and dining structures.  These structures will significantly enhance the overall training capacity of the Peace Mission Training Center in Zambia.

The U.S. Government is strengthening capacities and capabilities of 21 other African partners to be able to execute the UN’s and regional peacekeeping operations.  In short, the United States goals are to: professionalize militaries through training and equipping support, enhance defense institutions through capacity building, and deepen military-to-military partnerships.

The U.S. efforts promote enduring regional stability and enable its partners throughout the African continent to lead in the response to threats, be they man-made or natural, facing their respective regions, and bolster the foundation for long-term security in Africa.