Zambia National Service Commander Lieutenant General (Engr) Maliti Solochi II has been presented with a compelling new book detailing the harrowing experience of Zambian Army soldiers captured by Sierra Leone’s Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels during a peacekeeping mission in 2000.
Titled UN Hostages of Peace in Sierra Leone: The Untold Battle for Rogberi Junction, the book is authored by Brigadier General Dr. David Suuba Sanene. It aims to accurately depict the circumstances surrounding the captivity of Zambian Battalion (ZAMBATT) peacekeepers, who were part of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and were taken hostage by RUF rebels, supported by then-Liberian President Charles Taylor.
During the presentation at ZNS Headquarters in Lusaka, Gen Sanene emphasized the book’s significance in honoring the bravery and resilience of the soldiers involved. He noted that the ZNS has a rich history of participating in peacekeeping missions, including operations in Sudan and other regional conflicts.
“My motivation comes from the desire to highlight the battalion’s ordeal, regarded as one of the most challenging chapters in the Zambia Army’s history,” Gen Sanene stated. He also mentioned plans to launch the book in Zambia to ensure the public understands the true events of that operation.
In receiving the book, Lt Gen Solochi commended Gen Sanene for his efforts, highlighting the importance of documenting military history for future generations. “It is our duty to leave a written record of our military experiences, allowing future generations to learn from our past,” he remarked.
Lt Gen Solochi also expressed his own inspiration to write a book that contributes to preserving military history. He reiterated that the ZNS has a distinguished legacy, marked by significant contributions to liberation struggles and peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Dr. Sydney Muponda, CEO of Sotrane Publishers, pledged support for authors within the Defence Force to promote the writing and publishing of military-related narratives, ensuring that the history and experiences of the Zambia Army are accessible to a broader audience.
