There is no US military base in Zambia contrary to claims by neighbouring Zimbabwe that Washington is establishing a presence in the country, Zambian army chief Sitali Alibuzwi has said.
According to reports monitored here on Monday, Alibuzwi told Zambia’s high commissioner to Botswana, Pamela Chisanga that there was nothing new about Zambia’s military cooperation with the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), which has been going on for more than 15 years.
“Of course, we do receive some military assistance in terms of courses, training and medical support. This does not interpret into a base and, therefore, it is unfortunate that even those who have got correct information go way out to falsify things and project an image which is not there, thereby creating fear to the extent of our neighbours and this is unfortunate,” Alibuzwi is quoted as saying.
The army commander’s comments came in the wake of last month’s comments by Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa during a trip to Russia in which he accused the US of militarising Zambia to consolidate power in the region and isolate Zimbabwe.
Alibuzwi was in Botswana to attend the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2024, which was co-hosted by the Botswana Defence Force and the US AFRICOM.
JN/APA