The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, in collaboration with the Zambia Defence Force (ZDF), conducted a pre-deployment training for the military, police, corrections, and civilian components on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in Peace Support Operations (PSOs). The training took place in Lusaka, Zambia, from 13-17 October 2025.
During the official opening, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Maambo Haamaundu, emphasised that the military, police, and correctional services are at the forefront of peace support operations, representing the face of authority, discipline, and protection. He stated that in conflict and post-conflict environments, the presence of men and women in uniform should bring reassurance and safety, not fear or vulnerability.
Mr. Haamaundu underscored that sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in peacekeeping missions, reminding participants that the uniform of security officers is a symbol of honour, sacrifice, and trust. He further called on all officers to uphold the values of humanity, integrity, and accountability at all times, noting that wherever Zambian and SADC personnel serve under national, SADC, or UN banners; they must remain symbols of hope, justice, and humanity.
Speaking on behalf of the SADC Secretariat, Brigadier Molatlhegi Ntelamo, Head of the SADC Planning Element from the Directorate of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, highlighted that the training is anchored in international, continental, and regional instruments, and is aligned with the SADC Treaty, Vision 2050, and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). He reiterated that addressing sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) is a policy and ethical requirement for all peacekeepers, institutions, and missions.
Brigadier Ntelamo further stated that the training serves as a reaffirmation of SADC’s shared values and its zero-tolerance stance on sexual exploitation and abuse in peace support operations. He emphasised that military, police, and correctional personnel play critical and complementary roles in preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse, requiring strong coordination to protect vulnerable populations and safeguard the integrity of peace operations.
The main objective of the training was to enhance the capacity and readiness of Zambia’s Standby Force to prevent, identify, respond to, and report actual or suspected incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse and conflict related sexual violence in peace support operations. Specifically, the training sought to:
Strengthen participants’ understanding of SEA and CRSV, and their impact on individuals and communities;
Familiarise participants with existing legal frameworks, including international humanitarian and human rights law;
Promote a culture of zero tolerance towards SEA and enhance institutional accountability;
Strengthen survivor-centred approaches in reporting and response mechanisms; and
Enhance inter-agency collaboration and coordination in the prevention and response to SEA and CRSV.
This intervention forms part of the European Union (EU)-funded ECESPA Programme, which aims to enhance the capability and effectiveness of SADC’s peace and security architecture to enable early response and coordinated action in addressing peace and security challenges in the region.
Looking ahead, the Zambia Defence Force, in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat and development partners, will continue to build on this foundation through sustained training, institutional reforms, and the integration of SEA and CRSV prevention measures into all aspects of mission planning and execution. The lessons drawn from this initiative will contribute to a broader regional effort to enhance the credibility of peace support operations, ensuring that peacekeepers remain true to their core mandate: to protect and serve with honour.
As Zambia advances toward Vision 2050 and the aspirations of the SADC Treaty, this commitment signals a forward momentum, one where peace operations are not only instruments of stability but also of justice, accountability, and human dignity for all.
