Lusaka – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched a five-day Pre-Deployment Training for Zambia Defence Force and Security personnel on preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and conflict-related sexual violence during peace support missions.
The workshop opened on 14 October 2025 at the Grand Palace Hotel in Lusaka, with participants expected to gain knowledge, awareness, and ethical guidance to prevent, identify, and respond to exploitation and abuse.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu told participants that addressing abuse is essential for maintaining trust in peace operations, particularly to protect women and girls. He added that incidents of abuse not only harm victims but also damage the credibility and moral authority of the institutions and nations involved.
Haamaundu stressed that the Zambia Defence Force and Security Services play a key role in peace support operations under SADC, African Union, and United Nations frameworks. “Our uniform is a symbol of honour, sacrifice, and trust. It is our collective duty to ensure that our actions uphold the values of humanity, integrity, and accountability at all times,” he said.
SADC Head of Planning Element Brigadier General Molathegi Ntalemo said the training requires more than policy knowledge, calling for action, vigilance, and accountability. He added that every peacekeeper should be guided by ethics and practical tools to protect vulnerable populations.
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