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EXPOSED : SOLDIERS Angry As ZAMBIA ARMY Promotions Marred With Tribalism
SOME Zambia Army soldiers across the country are angry, disappointed and have expressed concern on the growing trend of appointing and promoting soldiers on tribal lines and not on merit.
The soldiers disclosed that newly appointed Zambia Army Commander Lt Gen Mihova is the main culprit who is in the forefront of appointing and elevating some officers and soldiers on tribal lines.
Apparently the wife to the son of a Minister of Defense has also been promoted despite her reputation questioned.
The soldiers complained that some officers are too old to be promoted in what they termed as ‘when will the younger generation’ be promoted.
They have since called on republican President to retire some aging officers who are bearing officers and busy promoting Tribalism.
Below are some of the highlights the soldiers forwarded and highlighted;
“MR PRESIDENT
A. Lt Gen Mihova has appointed the following; Lt Col kabongu appointed Director ordinance and to be promoted to full Colonel , meanwhile the same officer is out of the country on a UN mission for the next 10 months.
B. Lt Col MD Masumba appointed Army HQ Camp Commandant. He is a very junior Lt Col promoted in June 2009 when they are more than 25 very old Senior Lt Cols dating as far back as 2002. He is to become a Colonel.
C. Major Ngimbu and Major Mumbichi as well as Major Muumbi have been promoted to local Lt Col. Major Ngimbu and Mumbichi are tribes mate to Gen Mihova while Major Ntanta Mumbi’s wife’s young sister is married to the Minister of Defense’s Son. Major Mumbichi’s behavior is bad hence the reason why the previous commanders sidelined him even the Former PS Eastern Province Mrs Mwale disliked his ‘unofficer like’ altitude who has now been made to be in charge of the troops at Gonder Barracks.
D. Majoy Wanki and Major Ikowa have been appointed Deputy Regional Commander Southern Province and Deputy Commander College respectively. In southern province there are senior officers who are actually Bemba’s.
E. Major General Lubaya appointed the following based on tribal and ethnic backgrounds Lt Col Hakaningi appointed Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor at the military training establishment of Zambia Miltez and to be promoted to the rank of a full Colonel when there is a Colonel Sikazwe who can not be reporting to a LT Col. It’s a like a commissioner of Police reporting to assistant commissioner of police, it has never happened in the Army before and this is a reciepe for a mutiny and coup.
F. Lt Col Alibuzwi appointed Chief Instructor Army at the Defense College, an equivalence to number two when there is a full Colonel, Should now Colonel Phiri be reporting to a LT Col just because they are tribal cousin to the Deputy Army Commander? This is true drama which calls for serious attention from the commander and the President himself
Annoyed Officers and Soldiers Zambia Army”
Posted by Editor
on November 2, 2011. Filed under LATEST NEWS, Letters To The Editor.
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Hamas
November 2, 2011 at 1:17 pm
You were happy when we were sent into retirement ‘off balance’ you are now missing us already ka. We can come and sort out this tribal issue if you allow us to come on contract coz we need that Gratuity bad kind!
Mihova mwaiche, we knew !
concerned citizen
November 2, 2011 at 1:19 pm
thus why i say come 2016,youths need to be very carefully in choosing a leader,these oldies dont take care of us,will start campaigning right now so that come 2016 a young leader & government is put in place,this time will never be used to meet your political ambitions,we want to rule,2016 is very soon,enjoy it….its your time but very short.who knew that sata one day will rule,its not difficult to turn tables in 2016,the real change is coming in 2016.his promises are not working.
atishani apo
November 2, 2011 at 1:22 pm
being a public servant promotions are secondary let us know why we serve in the public servive and not be blinded by promotions.may be some of these officers who have been promoted are hardworking and well deserving officers.lets remain focused and work for the good of this country.
Chess Master
November 2, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Soldiers are like pawns on a chess board. I use pawns to advance towards my opponent and he/she does the same. However,the player can the pawns as he wishes i.e sacrifice them for better position to gain control of the game or keep them for crowning when they pull thru the opponents’ side.
The bottom line is, it is not the soldiers complaining but the politicians who happen to be the players. On this complaint, watch the opposition political parties’ connections with the defense wings.
Says the Master
Barman
November 2, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Gen Mihova during his address said that some Kamucheka had written him that he is ‘tribalistic’. Now ask yourself, is it true or true ?
WATCHMAN OVER WATCHDOG-Galileo Galilei is back!
November 2, 2011 at 1:25 pm
TWAKANA INKONDO MWE BANTU. PLEASE OUR SOLDIERS, YOU HAVE PEACE KEEPERS NOT WAR MONGERS. PLEASE KEEP IT THAT WAY. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
ISN’T THERE AWAY OF RESOLVING THIS TRIBALISM THING? IF PEOPLE DIE IN ZAMBIA, WE CAN NOT BLAME ANY OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. THIS TRIBALISM IS BORN AND BRED AMONGST OURSELVES IN THE COUNTRY.
SOLDIERS PLEASE LOOK AT YOUR YOUNG NEPHEWS, NIECES, SISTERS AND YOUR OWN CHILDREN.
AT LEAST WE ARE NOT LIKE SOME COUNTRIES WHERE THE CHANCE OF CHANGING LEADERSHIP PEACEFULLY IS SLIM. WE HAVE ENJOYED PEACE AND SMOOTH TRANSITION OF POWER. LET IT CONTINUE TO BE SO.
GOD BLESS ZAMBIA.
Ukufunda Umwana Kufikapo
November 2, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I only know one Bemba name here, Are the rest bemba names?. you were saying sata is tribal, now it goes to the tifi tifi. Most of these names sound like Lozi or Kaluunda or tomga. Sort out yourselves. Nalifunda nalinaka.
learned kabova
November 2, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Zambian soldiers niba kadoli, toy soldiers, see how they are beaten by unza boys in drinking places. These guys ran leaving dust behind when a fight starts…let them get those positions now that they have a homeboy on the high seat. Tukalakuma ba devil.
charlie muhangu
November 2, 2011 at 1:57 pm
i think those promoted deserve their new ranks coz they re qualified. If u think they are nt can u point at 1 who is no qualified. When pipo frm other tribes re promotd no coments. Can u check the carbinet and then coment.
learned kabova
November 2, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Zambian soldiers niba kadoli, toy soldiers, see how they are beaten by unza boys in drinking places. These guys ran leaving dust behind when a fight starts…let them get those positions now that they have a homeboy on the high seat. Tukalakuma ba devil.
Mr. Sata won the vote because he touched the hearts of the youth. Promoting them to high post could be a way of rewarding them but alas..he should retire abakote them and promotions should be across the tribal board. Please Ba Sata twapapata let every zambia regardless of tribal affliation enjoy your one term in office. We know you wont go past one term with your ill health.
AIR COMMANDER
November 2, 2011 at 2:06 pm
ZAF PROMOTIONS!
I would like to appeal to the newly promoted ZAF Commander and the new Chief of Administration to consider following the established procedure of the frequency in which promotions should be done in a year.
ARMY and ZNS do promotions three times a year to deserving individuals but you find that ZAF would only do it once in a year or not at all.Our administration has gone to the dogs and i hope with the new command things will change.How can one be on a temporal rank for over a year?Which (APZ) condition of service are they following?Take for example this year;ARMY and ZNS have promoted and not ZAF.It’s frustrating and may the President through the minister of Defence and the Air Commander look into this.
And may you also wind up the recruitment process and publish the names of people who qualified.ZAF is full of nepotism and this has been going on for years.It stinks.
Thank you.
ZAF MAN.
Back-blast
November 2, 2011 at 2:08 pm
I don’t know about the others but in the case of Maj Ikowa and Maj Wanki, to start with they are in what is called AG Pool coz they are on UN duties and school. The policy is that NO officer can be appointed if they are in the Pool until after their completion of UN Tour and School as the case is with these two Luvale relatives of Gen Mihova. Their appointment therefor is based on nothing else than tribalism !
Lt. XXXX
November 2, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Learned Kabova, of all the intelligent statements or contributions to make you consider bar fights priority?! Anyhow it shows how shallow and limited in thinking you really are. For your information, my dear friend, if a uniformed person is found in fracas such as bar fights, criminal activities and other demeaning situations, court martial has the authority to dismiss them dishonorably. I am sure you would agree that one would rather lose his reputation among the likes of you thank lose his job and ability to fend for him and his family simply because of male ego. Take a moment and be mature.
Lt. XXXXX
Toughie
November 2, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Yaba! What’s happenedn to the Cobra? Lost its fakngs due old age? You almost appointed a failed former corporal to PS defence! Don’t you take advice? Chiluba appointed a non-pilot Kayumba as ZAF commander! What did we get? Kabwalala!!!! Seek advice or maybe ADVERTISE these positions if you are so dull!!!
Emerging bootlicker for Senior Citizen
November 2, 2011 at 2:23 pm
This is indiscpline of its highest order. Officers and men writting to the Commander in Chief about unsubstantiated allegations. I am a former Army officer and I personally know the Commander and His Deputy. These are officers with integrity and can not subscribe to these tribal accusations. They understand that the cornerstone of the army is discipline and morale and cannot be tribal in their handling of the Army. Commander and Chief of Staff ignore these characters who are out to disturb you in your duties. Those found wanting should be displined
Keen Follower
November 2, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Tribalism…!!! Its follow the leader, period!
Tetamashimba
November 2, 2011 at 2:31 pm
We still need inspirational leadership at all levels of our human endeavours. Hardworking officers need to be promoted either old or young. God bless Zambia. I am enjoying where I am. I miss George Kunda and his nonsense.
Emerging bootlicker for Senior Citizen
November 2, 2011 at 2:40 pm
The originators of this letter should be very patient. They are Defence Attachés, Brigade Commanders and Heads of Branches yet to be appointed so maybe the Col Sikazwes & Col Phiris are being considered for these appointments. The Commander in Chief retired over 15 Brig Generals and another big number of Colonels. The authors as said before are very indiscplined and if found should be dealt with. Stop playing cheap politics with the security wings
Anani Koffi
November 2, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Now you see you people the notion of tribal line does apply here. You know the names mentioned the writer are non bemba’s. Names like Wanki, Ikowa, Alibuzwi, etc.
Adam Werrity
November 2, 2011 at 2:41 pm
On one hand the author is saying Old men should retire, on the other hand he’s saying the Commander has appointed Junior people leaving out old people. Is that not a contradiction.
Some section of society cry the loudest when they suspect tribalism. But looking at the names above they cut across the regions.she/He is even accusing the Commander of appointing tribal cousins, gentlemen let’s be serious. Problem ba Army ubukopo bwalichilamo. These people always complain when a non-Bemba is appointed as Commander, when Gen Lopa was there all was rosy for them. Just wake hard…
Emerging bootlicker for Senior Citizen
November 2, 2011 at 2:42 pm
The choice of Lt Gen Mihova and Maj Gen Lubaya is in no way misplaced. The President Sir these are the officers you need in the defence of this nation
FUTURE PRESIDENT
November 2, 2011 at 2:48 pm
THANKS TO PRESIDENT SATA. ICAN HEAR THAT DOORS ARE WIDE OPEN.AND PEOPLES EYES ARE OPEN,THEY CAN EVEN SEE WHRE THEY COULD NOT SEE.THANKS TO SATA,MY BROTHERS AND FRIENDS IN UNIFORM NOW ARE COMING INTO CONTACT WITH REALITY.HONESTRY,IF APPOINTMENTS ARE BASED ON TRIBAL GROUNDS THEN SAD,BUT I DO NOT THINK THAT WAY,PROBABLY ITS BASED ON ACADEMIC LEVEL.WHAT YOU MY FRIENDS IN UNIFORM MUST ESTABLISH BEFORE YOU BECOME EMOTIONAL IS:IS THE PERSON APPOINTED CAPABLE TO PERFOM;DOES THE PERSON HAVE NECESSSALY QUALIFICATIONS-NOT JUST QUALIFICATIONS BUT REFRESHED QUALIFICATION;CAN THE PERSON FORSTER CHANGE IN THE SECTION APPOINTED;IS THE PERSON WILLING TO PERFORM. ONCE THAT IS ESTABLISHED OFF COURSE BY SOMEONE NOT IRRATIONAL THEN SPEAK.BUT LET NOT ALLIGN THOTS TO TRIBALISM.
IF MY BROTHER IS NOT APPOINTED FOR ANY POST,ITS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD,
SSSSSSSS
November 2, 2011 at 3:11 pm
PF has brought blatant tribalism to Zambia, and if the other tribes do not wake up and smell the roses they will be forgotten forever … this donchi sh1t should stop now.
White pig
November 2, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Just because a non bemba officer ahs been appointed doesnt amount to tribalism, pliz tell me, when lopa was appointing bemba chaps, did other tribes rise up and say tribalism in the army? Hey soldier grow up and learn to polish your shoes proper. Lubaya has as much right to appoint anyone he deems fit. i cant understand these soldiers, anyway thats wat happens when you have men in uniform who claim to have worked in the army for over 10 years but have nevr fought a single WAR, all they know best is to clean fire arms and not how to use them…
Serviceman.
November 2, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Adam Werrity, It is unfortunate that you can see ‘ubukopo’ in us. Sometimes take time to see a bit of sense where you, intelligent people might think there is no sense. For instance,try to be in the writer’s boots, and see what he’s trying to complain of. On this media, try to take time and read between the postings before you post your comments. Like your friend who just come up with an issue of fights. Has it got any connection with the issue at hand? Ofcourse not. Let the people judge who’s chikopo between the individuals like Adam Werrity and Learned Kabova, and the serviceman who complained against tribalism.
I love you all
November 2, 2011 at 3:43 pm
There is no tribe superior to the rest in this country, unless you just want to invite WAR. Someone to tell the President that he is sowing seed of discontent among non Bembas and will regret when angers bast out. You watch out!!!
Teacher
November 2, 2011 at 4:10 pm
The author’s just a frustrated mangwam. Why should it be ‘tribal’ only when it involves non-Bembas/Bandas? U r the same chaps who refer to non-Bemba languages as ‘ifitundu!’oso that a group of Bemba friends is ok but that a non-Bemba group of friends is being tribal! Try to think outside your small box.
Fox
November 2, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Why now.remember! These soldiers in shanty(dracula) compounds are the grassroots.underating them z like underating a suicide bomber in pat pat.
mooono
November 2, 2011 at 5:03 pm
WAR will erupt in Zed one day if this issue of tribe is mishandled.
zieyzi
November 2, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Its suprizing comments. Let us brothers and sisters dig deeper b4 we utter any comments. Tomoro is you or your relative incharge
Sweswe ya sweswe
November 2, 2011 at 5:26 pm
“…Major Ntanta Mumbi’s wife’s young sister is married to the Minister of Defense’s Son”. I happen to know the Minister of Defence and his family; can the writer please tell us which son this is?
Brasso
November 2, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@White Pig, you must be a dull pig for sure. Which country did Zambia go to war with for you to say they ‘have never fought a war’ Do you know what war is iwe msata nyoko ?
Chongwe-Igwee
November 2, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Loyalty is the key to all this nonsenseko crap.Mihova and Lubaya we love u.Those sad let them follow william banda.Am happy with u job well done.Loyal buffalo
Mankande
November 2, 2011 at 6:05 pm
If you are a soldier, you think you are due for promotions and you have all necessary attributes including adequate credentials just apply and make follow ups, Complaining will not help you, you will just remain behind and become a witch in future.
Nkisu
November 2, 2011 at 6:24 pm
On line D.”In southern province there are senior officers who are actually Bemba’s.” Who said, to be an officer you have to be Bemba? Remember the “Sticking Bemba” from Mwanawasa? The mistake Chiluba made Sata is doing it as well. They both appointed Bembas, when the Govt changed all te Bemba were to be prosecuted-not because they were Bemba, but were people in office. Those little Bembas who think by their tribe they deserve promotions, they have something else coming.
Origin Zambiano
November 2, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Kaponya govt works on these principles of tribalism, not feeling safe with other tribes in Zambia. This should be a one term Govt. Its up to us Zambians to vote PF out in the next elections. I have started the crusade against this emarassing govt.
THE TRUTH
November 2, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Gentlemen the Commander has the right to appoint officers of his choice but not at the expense of prffessionalism. Lt Col Kabongu, Lt DM Masumba, Maj Ikowa, Maj Wanki, Maj Mumbich(Local Lt Col), Maj Ngimbu( Brother to Mihova) Local LtCol)ALL THESE ARE NORTH WESTERNERS. PAUL PLEASE SO SOON WE KNOW THEIR CAPABILITIES. WHY DO U WANT TO DESTRY YOURSELF.? Lt Col Hakkaningi has never passed an exam, what makes u think he qualifies to suprintend over Cols of high calibre,who u even know their capabilities. Remove the Colonels from Kohima and Staff college. Imwe bakamucheka na deputy obe u r dull we know u.
Adam Werrity
November 2, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@Serviceman
White pig has brought out a valid point here, he says when Gen Lopa was appointing Bembas, did other tribes complain? What have you got to say to White pig’s comments? To start with, if this author is a professional service personnel worth his salt, he can’t run to the press to air grievances. How do you start disclosing restricted matter on internet? That’s why I said “ubukopo” because I guess there are right channels to be followed.You even disclose the names of innocent officers manning key sectors of the Army, even me as a civilian can tell that this is unprofessional.
Capt
November 2, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@ Toughe, Don’t just start yaping and waffling anything before you gather enough information. Ask anyone who join ZAF before 2001,they will tell you the state in which the system was. We respect KAYUMBA despite allegations that he stole. He was an intelligent Cdr who transformed ZAF to where it is. Service men and women used to put on carnvas and torn uniforms instead of the normal service shoes and uniforms.All the huge claims were cleared. everything became things of the past when he became Cdr. Never comment anything if u don’t have data. Hopeless Mangwamu!!
Morale ni Weka
November 2, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Gentlemen, you are on YOU’RE OWN. Continue looking this way as I demonstrate the next appoinments ! Stand Easy !
Woviziba
November 2, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Imwe bantu stop complaining. Let the Luvales also enjoy independence. Whats wrong with that?
Nkisu
November 2, 2011 at 7:38 pm
The author is so blinded by tribe. Because Bembas are in Govt, he wants Bembas in the Army. That is why he can’t reason.This is dangerous in a country where you have 70 or more tribes.Is it only normal for Sata to appoint his tribesmen and wrong for the commander to do the same. What happened to the phrase “follow the leader?”
AKRRAL
November 2, 2011 at 7:39 pm
PROMOTION–PROMOTION,PSE PROMOTE THEM DO NOT FOLLOW TRIBE. THIS IS COMMON IN ZNS,ZAF,ARMY AND POLICE.TRIBALISM AND CORRUPTION ARE COMMON IN SECURITY WINGS
THE PRESIDENT DOES NOT LIKE IT,YOU WILL LOOSE EMPLOYMENT
BUT IT IS TOO MUCH IN ARMY AND POLICE
KUNGULISA NTEPE
Nkisu
November 2, 2011 at 7:42 pm
The author is so blinded by tribe. Because Bembas are in Govt, he wants Bembas in the Army. That is why he can’t reason.This is dangerous in a country where you have 70 or more tribes.Is it only normal for Sata to appoint his tribesmen and wrong for the commander to do the same. What happened to the phrase “follow the leader?” If the chief commander is doing it, what should stop the commander?
NIMA
November 2, 2011 at 8:26 pm
You lie about Gen Chisuzi he is Soli from lusaka and Mihova is from N/WESTERN so how dd he appoint him on tribal lines…???? ama facts bane…and also Zambians quit this tribal thing your friends in poor Uganda are making cars imwe busy complaining about little things like tribes
NIMA
November 2, 2011 at 8:27 pm
I wouldnt agree more…
I think Zambians simply just want war…
NIMA
November 2, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Is that necessary saying ka chikala to a man u dont even know..elo iwe the army is not meant to be partisan how would Sata feel if the army started suprting H.H? wouldnt he fire them all…
NIMA
November 2, 2011 at 8:30 pm
I agree..instead of working hard..
NIMA
November 2, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Tell them..Lazy people eat bones keep complaining well your friends work hard…
NIMA
November 2, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Lazy people always crying foul..uluse… leave them