Contribution to Regional and 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.
Peace Building
Mozambique (1982 – 1992). The ZNA deployed to safeguard Zimbabwe’s lifeline; the road, rail and pipeline linking Zimbabwe and the port of Beira subjected to sabotage by the Mozambique’s National Resistance Movement (MNR). The decade campaign sharpened the fighting spirit of the forces.
Democratic Republic of Congo (1998 – 2002). In 1998, Zimbabwe was part of the SADC coalition that included Angola and Namibia that carried out a military intervention in the DRC. The intervention was authorized by the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (SADC Troika) after the DRC government had sought assistance from SADC. The objective of the intervention was to restore sovereign legitimacy in the DRC.
Somalia (1992 -1995). 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. Lt General (Rtd) Mike Nyambuya was appointed the Deputy Force Commander of UNOSOM II.
Peace Support
Angola. United Nations Verification Mission (1) NAVEM I (1989-1991), the ZNA deployed military contingents and 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 organized elections, 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 United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) to assist the Angolan parties in consolidating peace and national building and Zimbabwe contributed observers.
Observer Missions
UNAMIR (Rwanda): United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (1993-1996).
UNMIL (Liberia): United Nations Mission in Liberia (2000-2012), with officers serving as military observers.
UNMIN (Nepal): United Nations Mission in Nepal (2007-2011), with officers serving as military observers.
ONUB/BINUB (Burundi): United Nations Operation in Burundi (2004-2006).
NNOCI (Cote D’Ivoire): United Nations Operation in Cote D’Ivoire (2003-2017).
UNMEE (Ethiopia): United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (2000-2008).
UNMIN (Nepal): United Nations Mission in Nepal (2000-2011).
UNMIL (Liberia): United Nations Mission in Liberia (2003-2018).
SAPMIL (Lesotho): SADC Preventive Mission in Lesotho (2017-2018).
Currently, ZNA officers continue to be deploy military staff officers and experts on mission in the following operations:
UNISFA (Sudan): United Nations Interim Security Force for Abeyi (2011- date).
UNIMISS (South Sudan): United Nations Mission in South Sudan (2011- date).
MINUSCA (CAR): United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic (2014- date)
MONUSCO(DRC): United Nations Organisation Stabilising Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (2014- date
