THE concerns raised by the consortium of civil society organisations over remarks attributed to Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele deserve careful consideration. Their appeal is not an attack on the Zambia Army, nor is it a suggestion that the Defence Force lacks professionalism. Rather, it is a reminder that every state institution must operate within the constitutional boundaries established for it. That is how constitutional democracy is protected. We therefore agree with the civil society organisations that the Army should be used very sparingly in internal law enforcement duties. The Constitution of Zambia provides a clear mandate for the Zambia Defence Force. Its primary responsibility is to preserve, protect and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the...