President Hichilema Hails Former Defence and Security Chiefs as Invaluable to the Nation

President Hakainde Hichilema has described Zambia's former Defence and Security Chiefs as distinguished leaders whose knowledge, experience and institutional memory remain invaluable to the nation.

Speaking after meeting the former Chiefs at State House today, President Hichilema said they had made a significant contribution to safeguarding the country's peace, security and democracy over the course of their service.

He thanked them for their continued solidarity, patriotism and dedication to Zambia, noting that their commitment had not waned even after they left active duty.

The President said retirement should not be seen as the end of service, but rather as a different phase through which the former Chiefs can continue contributing to national development. Their wealth of experience, he added, remained a resource the country could ill afford to set aside.

President Hichilema said his administration would continue to seek their counsel as it works to strengthen the nation and respond to emerging challenges. He stressed that the guidance of those who had served at the highest levels of the country's defence and security establishment carried particular value in navigating complex national issues.

The President further reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving the welfare of veterans, in recognition of the sacrifices they made in service to the country. He said honouring that service was both a duty and a mark of a grateful nation.

The meeting reflected the President's broader emphasis on national unity and on drawing together experience from across generations of Zambia's leadership.