President Edgar Lungu has appointed and sworn in Lieutenant General William Sikazwe as the new Zambia Army commander taking over from Lieutenant General Paul Mihova who has been retired in national interest.
Lt. Gen Sikazwe was until his appointment as Army Commander, serving as the chief of operations in the Zambia Army.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony at State House today, President Lungu urged General Sikazwe to defend the constitution and the people of Zambia whom he has been appointed to serve.
President Lungu advised the new Army Commander not to abuse the authority he has been entrusted with as army chief.
The President urged Lt. Gen. Sikazwe help transform the Zambia Army by embarking on projects in the agricultural sector in order to ensure food security for the country.
The Head of State further encouraged the new army commander to participate in the affairs of the country by urged him to stay away from politics.
The President also told the new Army Commander to remind his officers in the country’s barracks on the need to respect the hierarchy of power.
The Zambia Army is well respected in Africa, said President Lungu adding that he expects the good reputation to continue even as the new Army Commander takes over.
The Head of State has also asked General Sikazwe to work with the outgoing Zambia Army Commander on various projects as he hands over.
The headline says the Deputy Army Commander has equally been relieved of his duties yet the main text makes no mention of this. Zambian journalism is really annoying
These Exam leak journalists have no respect for us their audience!
If it was Ba Kanganja, it could be in national interest. These changes are not for us.
The lowest performing ministers not being changed, but changing the stable people. It’s mind blowing.
ZNS commander & Police IG are next.
Zambia Army Headed By A Northerner, ZAF By An Easterner, ZNS Northerner, Prisons Headed By Northerner, ZP soon to be headed by Kapeso, an Easterner.
Truly This Is One Zambia One Nation
severed as chief of operations …?
SEVERED ??? Do you have an Editor?
That Chief Devil Davies Chama cant work with any other tribe except Bembas. Chama is the most backward minister in that Cabinet that practices tribalism, regionalism and outright regional politics. This is the same chap that fired Hapunda as PF Media Director despite all the good things and unwavering support Hapunda gave Lungu before he became president!
As a person, Lungu is not as bad as that hideous piece of sh.it called Davies Chama and I still dont understand why Lungu listens to Chama but we will see!
Why was he fired imwe bantu?
Iwe Chilyata. Sikazwe is not a Bemba. Ala!
This Kongola twibe party is at it again with it’s constitution rubbish .Hiding behind the constitution which he the nomad has abused day in and day out .
Chilyata 1.5 I agree with your words above. My Tribal cousin Hapunda was done wrong
“That Chief Devil Davies Chama cant work with any other tribe except Bembas. Chama is the most backward minister in that Cabinet that practices tribalism, regionalism and outright regional politics. This is the same chap that fired Hapunda as PF Media Director despite all the good things and unwavering support Hapunda gave Lungu before he became president!
As a person, Lungu is not as bad as that hideous piece of sh.it called Davies Chama and I still dont understand why Lungu listens to Chama but we will see!”
Command changes are a natural part of the Military experience. Unfortunately, sometimes command changes are a result of performance or outside issues. This appears not to be the case. “Here is why?
“The Head of State has also asked General Sikazwe to work with the outgoing Zambia Army Commander on ‘various projects’ as he hands over. And, General Sikazwe said he will ensure that the Presidents pronouncements are implemented.”
So General Mihova now embarks on ‘various’ projects within the Army. I envy his new assignment. Now, this is where there is bucks!
This is good sometimes it’s good to get rid of old nuts in the busket.
This clean up is in order. These are some of the military top brass who were bringing our Security Wings into disrepute. Good riddance!
Kudos!
We have stopped (HH) people power rebel AKA Kainde in his tracks because he’s been promising his people that he’s the elected President of Zambia. These generals were plotting. Kainde’s people are asking him when he’ll invite them for a new year bash at State House.
Some times talk to inform and educate the masses not only talking from the blues. This is a army you talking about. You used to cadres , think everyone is for jokes. Please let’s keep our limits.
Comment:Mr Kudo be careful with your evil statement. A soldier is not a carder
Mind your language. You mighty just infuriate the sleeping lions.
General Mihova has been army commander for over 7 years. Not that bad considering that his predecessor only lasted for 1 year. These positions kukosa!
From Brig. Gen to Lt. Gen is an expedited jump!
Are there no Maj. Generals to replace or all have been retired with Mihova like his Deputy? Country can’t have only one Maj. General. It can have several including up-to to three Lt. Generals if the Army Commander is a Full general.
I hope he has hasn’t skipped them over because this is the major cause of military indignation.
You seem not to understand how it works. Maj. Gen is always the deputy command if the serving commander is rank of Lt. Gen. Unless the serving army commander is Full General of Field marshal. So in this case, both Commander and Deputy are dropped. The only available rank is Brig. General. Hope that clarifies for you.
In the Army, Airforce or ZNS, there is only one Lt Gen and one Maj Gen. So right now, the Army has no Maj Gen until one is appointed.
The reason is because we do not have a Full (or 4-star) general in active service.
So the next Deputy Commander will be promoted from the ranke of Brigadier General or even Col.
Peace
Comment:u have ideas of Zambia army positions
From Brig. Gen to Lt. Gen is an expedited jump!
Are there no Maj. Generals to replace or all have been retired with Mihova like his Deputy? Country can’t have only one Maj. General. It can have several including up-to to three Lt. Generals if the Army Commander is a Full general.
I hope he hasn’t skipped them over because this is the major cause of military indignation.
Unfortunately, in the Zambia Army establishment, there can only be one Lt Gen at a time (who happens to be the army commander) and only one Major General who is the deputy. But there is a sizeable number of Brigadier Generals, could be between 10 to 20 or thereabouts. This is where the President picks his appointees for Commanders and Deputy Commanders
My view of Lungu is that whenever he makes these changes/reshuffles, they are to his benefits, they don’t benefit the country in any way.
He’s found other ballot transporters
Paving way for rigging.
The new army chief looks suspect. He’s probably been hoisted up for reasons most of us would approve. We need professionals up there and not the Chiwenga type to ruin our country as they consolidate the position of the incumbent.
Meant ‘most of us would NOT approve’
You fire somebody on new year eve? This is abuse of power. What is it that he could not wait until after new year celebrations. This is the time of celebrations and building each other. Sad story. Few days surely could not make a difference. Was the general trying to create a parallel govt?
Very insensitive yaaa
Aha, proof of luck of leadership skills. When he is supposed to be inspiring citizens with best wishes for the new year and unity. He choose to threaten his opponents, on top of that he signals to them that he would rather reshuffle the army as an indication of what is yet to come. Let’s hope it’s not force. In a primary school it would amount to bulling.
“President Lungu urged General Sikazwe to defend the constitution and the people of Zambia.” Frankly, this is the most prudent statement ECL has ever made. I think he should tell all members of the cabinet, the IG, ZNS & ZAF Commandant and ZIS Director. Because at times the holders of these offices have more loyalty to the presidency than the constitution even when that loyalty undermines our Republican constitution.
Bravo to issuing this statement ECL.
I just hope I’m not falling in love with your leadership style sir, but then maybe I am, any way so what if you are changing for the better.
So when Mihova was welcoming Lungú back from Gabon with other service chiefs he had no idea that was the last time he was going to line up at the airport or that this would be his new year present. I think this was because of his involvement with Mukula logs.
I doubt that he has been “fired” else he wouldn’t be asked to work with the incoming Commander during the transition period. I am just not sure why the Deputy Army Commander has also been relieved of his duties.
Lungu you’ve updated the top army personnel now its time you also update their outdated tanks ,ground launched missiles & artillery .
Lazy Lungu is positioning himself for 2021 making sure nothing slips up…
Happy new year Jay Jay ,looking forward to your comments in 2019.
It doesn’t matter no more!
Thank you Mr President for dismissing Mr Miova,, now we can also dismiss some fools who are messing around in our area under Miova’s protection,,
Maloza wa bar he tall law. Mufuna chani kansi imwe ma Zambians?
I stop reading when he mentioned the food army, you are taking us back.
Someone is doing all this for 2021 he knows things won’t be good so replacing with those he think can always be to his side despite wrong doings. Botswana you’re in trouble.
Sorry I thought I was in Congo ???????? bypassed then got on Chambia plane only told no ???? you’re not going yo be allowed ???? here go back to ???????? Rwanda.
Only those with eyes can see unfortunately more than chambian are so cheap confused ???? with shake shake chibuku.. Anyway I did good to leave chambia..
This is well planned and timed with 2021 Elections in mind. With this move ECL now has total control of the Military. He already Controls the Judiciary especially Concourt, ECZ, the entire Public Service, ZPS etc so rigging the 2021 Elections is assured. ECL knows Elections in Zambia are won by those who count votes and not by voters. After securing his 3rd Term Bid, ECL is busy oiling his Election Rigging Machinery in time for 2021. Who will stop him? We need Divine Intervention to survive. The Writing is on the Wall.
To the Contrary those appointed have been urged to serve the Zambian people and Lungu as an Individual.This includes the contraversial Concourt Judges.
What’s going on?
We have a very UNSTABLE “very long” CONGO BORDER to DEFEND not AGRICULTURE.
ZNS which the Commander-in-Chief attended will work on the FARMS.
NOTE:
ARMY = DEFENCE
ZNS = SECURITY
ZAF = SUPPORT
4 – 3 – 3 system with President in Goal and Captain like Mweene or King in Chess. GAME-ON!
N.B. – Intelligence and Police are refs, technical bench, match officials and crowd controllers.
Mr President congratulations on appoint Lt. Gen William Sikazwe. This is a man of integrity who will not let u down. He is my brother. We appreciate u.
Bravo Mr President u just doing wt any President can do keep it up & continue offering the best to the Zambian people my lungu our president