THE Zambia Police Service is nearing the deployment of its first-ever Formed Police Unit (FPU), marking a significant step towards international peacekeeping contributions.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba announced this development during the closing ceremony of an FPU Bronze Commander’s Field Training Exercise held in Lusaka yesterday.
“I am confident that you are now equal to the task ahead of you both domestic and at International level,” Musamba said in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Inspector General of Police In-Charge of Operations Milner Muyambango .
The training exercise served to equip participating officers with the necessary skills for future deployments, both domestically and internationally.
FPUs are specialised units composed of approximately 160 officers and function as self-sufficient entities within peacekeeping missions.
Their core duties involve public order management, protection of UN personnel and facilities, and supporting police operations requiring a unified response.
The development comes through a collaborative effort between Zambia and the United Kingdom.
British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Wooley, emphasised the longstanding partnership.
“The United Kingdom and Zambia have been working together to enhance Zambia’s capacity in preparing a Formed Police Unit…”
“This course significantly advances Zambia’s ability to contribute effectively to the UN and AU Peace Support Operations, an aim which UK has long supported by nurturing competent trainers and commanders to handle complex public order situations while upholding peace, security and human right principles,” said Wooley.
With the training complete and equipment procurement nearing finalisation, Zambia appears poised to contribute to global peacebuilding efforts through its newly formed FPU.
Kalemba April 27, 2024
