The ZNA Contribution to International Peace and Security
The Republic of Zimbabwe has a long-standing history of contributing towards African Union, SADC and UN led peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. Within the framework of Zimbabwe’s contribution to international peace and security, the ZNA has played a significant role to ensure that peace and tranquility prevails in the SADC region and beyond. The following are some of the peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions that have been undertaken by the ZNA:
MOZAMBIQUE:
In 1982, the Zimbabwe government was invited to support the Mozambique Armed Forces to repel the rebel MNR movement at the beginning of 1982. For a period of over ten years the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) deployed on what some scholars want to refer to as peacemaking operations in Mozambique. The military operation in the Mozambique was an initiative designed to assist a fellow member state in a crisis. After more than ten years of sustained support to its neighbour, in 1992 the government of Mozambique and the MNR signed a peace agreement to end a long and debilitating civil war.
ANGOLA
UNAVEM I (1989-1991) As part of Zimbabwe’s contribution to international peace and security, the ZNA deployed military observers in Angola under UNAVEM I, with the task to assist in the monitoring of troop movements and verifying the ceasefire agreement.
UNAVEM II (1991-1994) The transition from UNAVEM I to UNAVEM II which had a broader mandate to oversee the implementation of the peace accords and organize elections in Angola, the ZNA continued its participation in the mission by providing military observers and support staff, focusing on disarmament and reintegration processes.
UNAVEM III (1995-1997) The UN further expanded the mandate of UNAVEM II to UNAVEM III in 1995 to include deployment of a peacekeeping force. The ZNA continued its participation under UNAVEM III and deployed peacekeeping troops. In addition to the deployment of peacekeeping troops, Zimbabwe also contributed the Force Commander and staff to the mission. Gen PV Sibanda the then Major General was appointed the Force Commander.
MONUA (1997-1999) On completion of UNAVEM III in July 1997 the UN established the MONUA with the mandate of assisting the Angolan parties in consolidating peace and national building. Gen PV Sibanda continued as the Force Commander.
SOMALIA
In 1992, Zimbabwe was invited to contributed troops as part of a coalition of 28 countries in a mission code named Operation Restore Hope and the ZNA deployed a company size contingent. The mission was in response to humanitarian crisis that followed the collapse of Somalia central government in 1991. The mission had the mandate to use all necessary means to establish a secure environment for humanitarian relief operations.
In 1993 the operation transformed into a UN peacekeeping mission UNOSOM II with a broader mandate that included nation building and disarmament efforts. In addition to the contingent that had deployed under Operation Restore Hope, the ZNA deployed a battalion size group under UNOSOM II. In recognition of its role in international peace and security, Zimbabwe was requested by the United Nations to provide a Deputy Force Commander for the mission. Lt General (Retd) Mike Nyambuya then Major General was appointed the Deputy Force Commander of UNOSOM II with a compliment of staff officers.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Following the agreement between the government of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) deployed in Congo in a military operation codenamed “Operation Sovereign Legitimacy” (OSL). This operation began in 1998 and was part of a larger conflict known as the Second Congo War. The operation involved multiple African nations and various armed groups. Zimbabwe intervened in support of the Congolese government led by Joseph Kabila, aiming to stabilize the regime and protect its sovereignty against rebel forces backed by neighboring countries. In addition to combat operations, the ZNA participated in humanitarian efforts, aiming to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of aid in conflict-affected areas.
UN military observer missions have been undertaken in Rwanda (1993-1996), Liberia (2000-2012) and Nepal (2007-2011). Currently, the ZNA officers are deployed in the Sudan, South Sudan, Cote d’lvoire and Ethiopia under AU/UN Military Observer Missions. Pursuant to its external commitment, the ZNA participated in Peace Support Operations in Angola, Rwanda, Lesotho, Cote D’ivoire, Liberia, Nepal, Burundi, Sudan and South Sudan.
