RETIRED ZAF COLONEL WARNS AGAINST MILITARY ROLE IN DOMESTIC SECURITY

By Justina Matandiko Retired Zambia Air Force-ZAF-Lieutenant Colonel, Professor Naison Ngoma, has cautioned against the increasing visibility of the military in domestic security matters, saying the Zambia Police Service must remain the primary institution responsible for maintaining law and order. Speaking to Phoenix News in an interview, Professor Ngoma said the military should only support […]

By Justina Matandiko

Retired Zambia Air Force-ZAF-Lieutenant Colonel, Professor Naison Ngoma, has cautioned against the increasing visibility of the military in domestic security matters, saying the Zambia Police Service must remain the primary institution responsible for maintaining law and order.

Speaking to Phoenix News in an interview, Professor Ngoma said the military should only support the police when serious disturbances or turmoil arise and the police are unable to contain the situation.

He said the prominent deployment of soldiers in routine electoral activities is inconsistent with the military’s role in a civilian democracy.
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Professor Ngoma explained that the military can, however, provide logistical support to institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ- including transporting ballot materials to remote areas using the Zambia Air Force, but insisted that the ECZ should remain in charge of such operations.

His comments come amid concerns over the increasing use of the Zambia Army in civilian security matters, including reports of soldiers being deployed at polling stations during the just-ended 2026 electoral period, raising questions about whether the continued reliance on the military could undermine the capacity and constitutional role of the police in maintaining domestic order.

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