Brigadier General Nyone Promoted By President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has Granted the rank of Lieutenant General of the Zambian Army to Humphrey Nyone, formerly a Brigadier General, ahead of his secondment to the Central African Republic (CAR).

Lieutenant General Nyone was appointed Force Commander for the Mission in Central African Republic by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres on 15 May.

President Hichilema, who is also Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, issued the promotion from State House in Lusaka, and encouraged Lieutenant General Nyone to enforce the principles, rules and regulations of the UN, and to embrace every member of the multi-national mission. He said, “I urge you not to segregate anyone but to treat everyone equally for the good of the Zambian people, I wish you all the best as you lead the UN mission in the Central African Republic”.

 Mr. Hichilema addressed Lieutenant General Nyone’s family, hoping that they would support him as he leads the UN mission. General Nyone said he was grateful for the opportunity and that he would commit himself to the role, adding that the task “is huge but surmountable and I am ready to work according to the rules and statutes of the UN requirements for the good of the country and entire Africa”.

 Chola Milambo, UN Permanent Representative to Zambia, said that the country’s General had been picked due to Zambian soldiers being known for their excellent discipline.

 General Nyone has served in the Zambian military since 1994, most recently a Commandant of the Defence Services Command and Staff College of Zambia. Before that, he was Commander of the 1st Infantry Division form 2020 to 2022, and from 2018 to 2020 was Director-General for Policy, Doctrine and Strategy of the Zambian Army.

In terms of peacekeeping experience with the UN, he was stationed in the DRC from 2006 to 2007 as Senior Disarmament, Demobilisation, Repatriation, Reintegration and Resettlement Officer. From 2001 to 2002, General Nyone was Chief of Operations of the 1st Zambian Battalion for the Un Mission in Sierra Leone.