United States Commends Zambia's Peaceful Elections

The United States has commended Zambia for the successful and peaceful conduct of its general elections on 13 August 2026, and signalled its readiness to support the modernisation of the Zambian military.

Mr Eugene Park, Executive Director to the Deputy Under Secretary of the United States Air Force for International Affairs, said the American government was proud of the Zambian people and of the manner in which the polls were held. He was speaking during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Defence in Lusaka on Thursday.

"Zambia is a priority country for the United States. We have had over 60 years of bilateral relations," Mr Park said. "We are ready to work with you and support the modernisation of the Zambian military."

He also commended Zambia for its leadership in international military engagements, citing the country's hosting of the Africa Land Forces Summit in 2024 and the African Air Chiefs Symposium in 2026.

Ministry of Defence Acting Permanent Secretary Mrs Milicent Mwenda said defence and security cooperation between the two countries was growing year on year, with Zambian military personnel having taken up training opportunities in the United States.

She singled out recent American investment in facilities at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre in Lusaka.

"We wish to thank the American government for the various infrastructure they recently handed over at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Center in Lusaka," Mrs Mwenda said. "That infrastructure cost millions of dollars and we appreciate so much."

The exchange places the August elections within a broader defence relationship spanning six decades, and points to continued American engagement with Zambia's armed forces as that partnership develops.