Zambian General Lands Top UN Command in South Sudan

A Zambian officer is heading to one of the toughest peacekeeping jobs on the continent, and President Hakainde Hichilema could not be prouder.

According to a statement issued by State House on 31 July 2026, the Head of State has congratulated Major General Laston Ngosa after the United Nations Secretariat approved his appointment as Deputy Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan, one of the world body's largest and most demanding operations. The press release said General Ngosa, who was nominated by the Zambian Government, came through a competitive international selection process and will take up the post by 6 September 2026 for an initial one-year term.

Hailing the news in the statement, President Hichilema said the appointment spoke volumes about the calibre of Zambia's armed forces. "When the United Nations selects a Zambian officer for one of the most demanding command roles in one of its largest missions, it is telling the world something about the professionalism and the discipline of our men and women in uniform," he said.

The President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Zambian Defence Force, pointed to decades of quiet service by Zambian troops across Africa, from the Central African Republic to Mozambique. "Major General Ngosa now carries it into South Sudan," he said, wishing the general "strength and good judgement."

The statement, signed by Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, added that Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to UN peacekeeping.