Grief engulfed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport last night as the family of late Staff Sergeant Alick Banda struggled to come to terms with the loss of their loved one, who died after a short illness while serving on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic. A somber atmosphere prevailed as the remains of the fallen soldier arrived at 21:05 hours, bringing to an end an anxious wait for a family whose son died far from home in the line of duty. The Zambia Army disclosed that Staff Sergeant Banda died on December 29, 2025, while serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The Army said he fell ill while on duty and later succumbed to the illness. Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele described the loss as devastating, stating that no commander remains unmoved by the death of a soldier, particularly one who dies in the pursuit of peace. “No commander remains unmoved by the death of his soldier, especially that he died in pursuit of peace,” Lt Gen Zyeele said.“On behalf of the Zambia Army, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Staff Sergeant Banda.
We share in your grief and stand with you during this difficult time.” Earlier, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the death was a significant loss not only to the family and the Zambia Army, but also to the nation. Staff Sergeant Banda joined the Zambia Army on July 1, 2012, and received his initial military training at Lukanga Recruit Training Centre before being posted to the Corps of Armour, where he served with distinction. His death has triggered widespread mourning within the defence forces and among members of the public as the nation prepares to lay to rest a soldier who served on an international peace mission.
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