US Commends Zambia for Peaceful August 13 Elections

The United States has commended Zambia for holding successful and peaceful elections on August 13, 2026. The praise came from Eugene Park, Executive Director to the Deputy Under Secretary of the United States Air Force for International Affairs, during a courtesy call at the…

The United States has commended Zambia for holding successful and peaceful elections on August 13, 2026. The praise came from Eugene Park, Executive Director to the Deputy Under Secretary of the United States Air Force for International Affairs, during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Defence in Lusaka on Thursday. Mr Park said the American government is proud of the peaceful elections and of the Zambian people. He also reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and pledged continued support for the Zambian military.

“Zambia is a priority country for the United States. We have had over 60 years of bilateral relations. We are ready to work with you and support the modernisation of the Zambian military,” Mr Park said.

Mr Park commended Zambia for taking the lead in international military engagements. He cited the hosting of the Africa Land Forces Summit in 2024 as one example. He also pointed to the African Air Chiefs Symposium, which Zambia hosted this year. Both gatherings brought senior military commanders from across the continent to Lusaka.

Ministry of Defence Acting Permanent Secretary Milicent Mwenda said defence and security cooperation between Zambia and the United States is growing every year. She said Zambian military personnel have had opportunities to train in the United States. Mrs Mwenda also thanked Washington for infrastructure it recently handed over at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre in Lusaka. She said the facilities cost millions of dollars.

“We wish to thank the American government for the various infrastructure they recently handed over at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre in Lusaka. That infrastructure cost millions of dollars and we appreciate so much,” Mrs Mwenda said.