Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba has reaffirmed the Zambia Police Service’s commitment to community policing as a critical strategy for peaceful, credible and violence-free elections.
Equipping Officers Ahead of Elections
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba reaffirmed the Zambia Police Service’s commitment to strengthening community policing as key to promoting peaceful electoral processes, speaking at the official opening of a Training of Trainers Workshop for Community Safety Unit Liaison Officers in Kabwe. In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Inspector General of Police Charity Munganga, Musamba said the Service remains committed to equipping officers with the skills needed to prevent, identify and respond to threats to public peace and security.
He noted the workshop builds on lessons from previous elections, where community policing helped strengthen cooperation between police and communities, contributing to the prevention of electoral violence. Musamba also flagged emerging challenges, including the growing role of social media, misinformation and disinformation, which he said could undermine peaceful elections if left unchecked, and urged participants to apply their training to promote dialogue and early conflict prevention.
UNDP and Police Leadership Reaffirm Support
UNDP Regional Electoral Advisor Robert Gerenge, represented by Project Manager Takawira Musavengana, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting peaceful, inclusive and credible elections, stressing that preventing electoral violence requires sustained collaboration between law enforcement, communities and development partners. Commissioner of Police for Community Services Joseph Shamampota underscored the role of Community Safety Unit Liaison Officers in fostering dialogue and strengthening community partnerships, encouraging participants to reinforce trust between police and the public.
The workshop brought together liaison officers from across the country, reflecting a joint commitment between the Zambia Police Service and UNDP to strengthening community policing ahead of the election.
