President Hichilema Commissions Over 500 Officer Cadets at Kohima Barracks.

President Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned more than 500 officer cadets from the Zambia Army, along with cadets from several allied nations, during a ceremony at Kohima Barracks in Kabwe.

The newly commissioned officers include members of the Regular Officers Intake 25 of 2023 and Specialist Officer Cadets Intake 10 of 2024, among them 17 cadets from Botswana, the Central African Republic, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia.

Speaking at the event, President Hichilema, Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces, underscored the importance of training cadets from allied nations to promote standardized military training across the region.

He encouraged the Zambia Army to continue offering such programs to strengthen cooperation and build familiarity among regional forces.

President Hichilema has applauded the growing participation of female cadets, highlighting that a female officer had emerged as the best overall performer and commended the female officers as courageous soldiers and mothers serving their country.

He urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold values of loyalty, integrity, and professionalism, and to remain adaptable to the evolving needs of the nation. 

The Head of State stressed that their commitment is vital to strengthening Zambia's future.

Meanwhile, speaking at the same event, Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma reminded the cadets that their responsibilities extend beyond Zambia’s borders and called on them to uphold the military’s core values.

And Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele commended the government for the financial and material support during training, advising the new officers to maintain professionalism and remain non-partisan in defense of the Republican Constitution.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Hedon Mwilu, Commandant of the Military Training Establishment of Zambia, noted that the graduating cadets have acquired essential skills to plan and execute military operations effectively. 

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing officers who meet international standards.

The Commissioning Parade was attended by Chiefs of Defence Forces from various countries, highlighting the event’s regional significance.