Story by Nyasha Makota
A call has been made for African countries to lead in addressing matters of peace and security, to counter the surge in acts of terrorism in some countries.
This came out at the graduation ceremony of 50 Zimbabwe National Army Junior Officers, who completed the Junior Staff Course Number 84, at the Zimbabwe Staff College in Harare, this Friday.
Speaking soon after presenting certificates to the graduands, the Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, who officiated the ceremony, impressed on the need for African countries to lead their own peace and security efforts.
“It is indeed imperative for African countries to unite under Pan-Africanism and take a lead in matters of peace and security. This is in line with the African Union Agenda 63, which emphasises silencing guns for the sake of peace and stability in the region,” she said.
Graduands, who excelled in various categories such as the best Commandant Paper and the Best Allied Student, expressed their commitment to put into practice what they learned from the 6-month course, which commenced in January.
“Participating in this course as an allied force has been an eye-opener. As African countries, it is important for us to come up with home-grown security solutions,” Nigerian Army Captain Roland Kosochukwu Kanu said.
‘As a junior officer, this course is of value to me. We have been equipped with the necessary knowledge to conduct our duties effectively,” Zimbabwe Defence Forces,Captain Nobesuthu Lotruet Moyo said.
“Being a female officer participating in this course is a testament to the competence and resilience in us as women,” Namibian Defence Forces Captain Linea Kamati said.
The Junior Staff Course Number 84 of 2026, comprised 38 males and 12 females among them nine allied forces from Tanzania, Nigeria, Namibia and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
These officers were trained in various courses, including geo-spatial intelligence, exposing them to the effects of technology on the battle field.
