Minister of Defence Davies Chama says Zambia’s defence forces that have taken part in recent peace-keeping missions have not recorded any casualties.

According to a press statement issued by First Secretary for Press & Tourism at the Zambian Embassy to Ethiopia Inutu Mwanza, Chama said Zambia’s defence forces that had taken part in recent peace-keeping missions have not recorded any casualties.

He also said Zambia had no record of any of its troops being implicated in sexual exploitation or physical abuse while in missions abroad.

The Minister was responding to a resolution made during the Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Defence and Security; that the African Union Commission should circulate the draft policy on conduct and discipline for Peace Support Operations (PSO), and the draft policy on Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse for PSOs.

Chama also said Zambia was happy with the progress made towards various African Union Peace and Security flagship programmes such as the operationalization of the Africa Stand by Force and the coming into effect of the continental Logistics base.

“The coming together of the African Union Member states to deliberate and plan for the common good of the continent regarding peace and security is encouraging. Member-states are speaking with one voice in order to address peace and security on the continent. This is an indication that Africa is working towards solving Africa’s problems with African solutions,” said Chama.

He said the operationalization of the Africa Stand by force will ensure swift deployment of troops as and when a situation arises in any African state.

The Minister further said he was happy that Africa had made a resolution to eliminate conflict.

The STC on defence and security, which was preceded by the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Safety and Security Services, has since closed.