07/06/2026
UN Honours Zambia Army's Ssgt Banda and Cpl Sakachoma
By Buffalo Reporter
New York, US
The United Nations (UN) has honoured two Zambian peacekeepers who died while serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
At at solemn ceremony held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, 05 June 2026, Staff Sergeant Banda Alick and Corporal Sakachoma Steve Muloke were honoured for their distinguished service.
Cpl Sakachoma died on 20 June 2025 after sustaining gunshot wounds during a hostile gunfire while on active duty, and Ssgt Banda passed away on 29 December 2025 following an illness during his deployment.
The recognition serves as a lasting tribute to the distinguished service and ultimate sacrifice of the two soldiers in the pursuit of international peace and security.
UN Secretary General António Guterres, honoured the duo posthumously, at a ceremony held to pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of peacekeepers who serve in some of the world's most challenging environments.
The event comes few days after Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers held under the theme 'invest in peace'.
The ceremony was attended by diplomats, senior UN officials, and representatives of member states.
Zambia's Permanent Representative to the UN Dr Chola Milambo, and Zambia's Military Advisor to the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Brigadier General Oliver Musonda received the honours on behalf of the deceased gallant Soldiers.
Credit: The Zambia Army
