Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE intends to leverage its tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to encourage peaceful resolution of international conflicts through dialogue and strict adherence to the dictates of international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri has said.
She made the remarks yesterday at the graduation of the Junior Staff Course at the Air Force of Zimbabwe School of Academic training at Manyame air base.
The sentiment comes as Zimbabwe will serve a two-year term in the United Nations security council as a non-permanent member beginning on January 1, 2027 after receiving overwhelming 182 votes out of 191 in an election that was held in June in New York.
The commitment by Zimbabwe is also consistent with the African union Agenda 2063, particularly the aspiration of Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2063.
The need to resolve conflicts diplomatically came as the globe is experiencing continuous conflicts in recent times.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the world has in recent years witnessed an accelerated increase in conflicts in which dialogue and dictates of the international law should be applied.
“Against the backdrop of a global peace and security environment that is characterised by unmitigated conflicts, geopolitical competition, switching military alliances, rapid technological advancements and mounting pressure on multilateral institutions that are mandated to maintain international peace and security, Zimbabwe will use its tenure in the security council to diplomatically bring peace to the world.”
“The security situation in the northern parts of Mozambique remains of great concern, while in the north protracted conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo continues to present serious challenges to regional peace and stability.
“At the global level, the Russia-Ukraine war continues to affect international peace and security, with consequences reverberating beyond the immediate theatre of conflict, while the continuing confrontation involving the United States of America and Israel on one hand and Iran on the other, has the potential of a wider regional conflict that presents serious implications for international peace and security.”
Turning to the modernisation of the ZDF, she said Government is prioritising revamping the force capabilities through research and development and acquisition of modern technologies and equipment.
The objective is to strengthen indigenous technological capabilities and to develop appropriate military systems in order to progressively reduce dependence on external sources of supply.
“To accelerate the upgrading and modernisation programme, the Ministry of Defence has embarked on a massive transformation of defence economic activities which entails restructuring and revitalisation of business ventures under the Defence Procurement Fund which is managed by the Defence Procurement Board to augment the inadequate funding provided by Treasury,” she said.
On the course, she said the inclusion of allied students has far reaching effects in enhancing inter-operability.
“I am particularly pleased to note the inclusion in the course, of members from SADC Member States. This is consistent with the objective of enhancing interoperability between and among SADC Defence Forces through joint military exercises and training. SADC air forces have consistently conducted humanitarian exercises, the last of which was held in Zambia in September 2025,” she said.
Zimbabwe is set to host exercise “Blue Runde” in 2027, preparations for which are at an advanced stage.
On gender balance, she said it was worth noting that the ZDF was taking the lead as witnessed by a 35 percent female representation in the course.
“The gender distribution achieved by this course, 12 females out of the 34-student complement, a 35 percent representation, is particularly pleasing.
“This is a significant achievement for which the School of Academic and Staff Training must be commended. There is still room for improvement though until the ideal of 50 percent representation is achieved, for that is what is consistent with the Government’s policy on gender equality and inclusion as enshrined under Sections 17 and 56, of the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” she said.
Commandant Air Force of Zimbabwe School of Academic Training, Group Captain Lloyd Bamba said the school will do everything in its jurisdiction to ensure that it continues to offer quality training for officers in the quest to achieve national , regional and global peace.
