US Commends Zambia for Peaceful Elections, Pledges Support for Military Modernisation

The United States has commended Zambia for holding what it described as successful and peaceful elections on August 13, 2026, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Ministry of Defence, Executive Director to the Deputy Under Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for International Affairs Eugene Park said the United States was proud of Zambia’s peaceful polls.

Park described Zambia as a priority country for the United States, noting that the two countries have maintained more than 60 years of bilateral relations. He said Washington is ready to work with Zambia and support efforts to modernise the Zambian military.

The U.S. official also commended Zambia’s participation in international military engagements, particularly its hosting of the Africa Land Forces Summit in 2024 and the African Air Chiefs Symposium in 2026.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Milicent Mwenda said defence and security cooperation between Zambia and the United States continues to grow.

Mwenda noted that Zambian military personnel have benefited from opportunities to undertake training in the United States.

She also thanked the American government for infrastructure recently handed over at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre in Lusaka, saying the facilities cost millions of dollars.

The development was contained in a statement issued by Paul Shalala, Principal Public Relations Officer.