Namibia and Zambia have concluded a joint border clearance, debushing and reaffirmation operation, covering approximately 120 kilometers of the international boundary between Wenela and Imusho.

In a speech read on his behalf by Chief of the Defence Force Martin Pinehas, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Frans Kapofi said the operation follows commitments made at the 24th Session of the Namibia-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in 2023.

“Over the course of three operational phases, our personnel worked to clear and debush approximately 120 kilometers of the borderline, together with a 30 meter buffer from the center line, extending from Beacon 1 to Beacon 9 between the Wenela/Shesheke and Singalamwe/Imusho border areas.”

Kapofi highlighted some of the safety challenges experienced by the officers, with the mine clearance team working ahead of the debushing and survey teams to reduce the risk posed by unexploded ordnance.

“During the operation, a mortar shell and a machine-gun cartridge were discovered, underscoring the importance of maintaining proper safety procedures in such environments. The operation also revealed important lessons for future deployments. Among the challenges experienced were limited engineering equipment, frequent bulldozer breakdowns, the absence of an ambulance at the operational site, inadequate in-theatre refuelling, servicing and repair capabilities, limitations in radio communications and challenges relating to logistical support and the timely payment of the Danger Risk Allowance."

Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula called for security deployment along the Liselo-Kamenga border, a priority area in efforts to curb stock theft.

Kabula added that there is a need to increase stronger civil-military cooperation and greater community involvement in reporting criminal activities along the border.