Online Reporter
Ennie Rumbidzai Jombo
As the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) mark its 46th anniversary, the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu has underscored the organisation’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and stability in the country and across the region.
In an interview ahead of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, General Matatu commended the ZDF for their ability to champion peace and stability over the past 46 years, noting that they have remained steadfast in supporting efforts to protect lives, safeguard communities and strengthen regional security.
He highlighted that the ZDF’s long service record reflects discipline, professionalism and a clear focus on safeguarding the country and the region’s peace and stability.
The CDF further emphasised that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces continue to play an active role in maintaining peace and stability within the region, through the secondment of staff officers and military observers to various peacekeeping missions.
These deployments demonstrate Zimbabwe’s commitment to collective approaches to peace and security and reinforce the ZDF’s role as a credible contributor to regional and international stability.
By participating in peacekeeping engagements, the ZDF, helps create conditions for order and reconciliation in areas facing instability. This support contributes to the broader goal of preventing conflict and addressing the root causes of insecurity.
General Matatu further pointed out that modern conflict dynamics have changed significantly from what was witnessed in earlier years.
He stressed that the “battlefield nowadays is changing”, which makes it necessary for the ZDF to continuously adapt to a shifting operational environment. He explained that maintaining readiness in today’s security landscape requires more than traditional approaches.
Therefore, the ZDF is in the process of reequipping and retooling to ensure that it remains in step with developments in technology and evolving warfare methods.
This initiative, General Matatu argued, is intended to strengthen operational capability, improve effectiveness and ensure that the ZDF is prepared to respond decisively to current and emerging security threats.
He assured the nation that the ZDF will remain resolute in its mandate of guaranteeing peace and stability in Zimbabwe and the region.
He commended the officers and men in uniform for their sacrifices and dedication in maintaining peace and stability, both at home and across the region, and urged them to continue working diligently to protect national interests, support regional peace initiatives and uphold the values that define the ZDF.
