The Zambia Air Force has held a special intercessory prayer service in Lusaka, calling for peace, unity and credible elections as Zambia approaches the 2026 general election.
The Friday evening service at the ZAF Chamba Valley Officers’ Mess was officiated by Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni and attended by service personnel, civilian staff, members of the Air Power Ladies Club and their families.
Faith, preparedness and national security
Addressing personnel and their families, Lt Gen Nyoni said national security depends not only on military preparedness but also on faith in God. He urged Zambians to remain united and prayed for a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process.
The commander also sought God’s guidance for the country’s leaders and citizens, saying Zambia should preserve its long-standing commitment to peace and national unity throughout the electoral period. That message is relevant beyond the barracks: political stability and clear institutions help households plan, businesses protect jobs and investors assess risk. Read our wider series on the economics of Zambia’s 2026 election.
“Resting the Heart and Mind in God’s Peace”
The service was held under the theme, “Resting the Heart and Mind in God’s Peace”. Lt Gen Nyoni said it reflected the pressures faced by military personnel, whose duties often test their resilience and resolve.
In her sermon, Acting Director General of Chaplaincy Colonel Reverend Judith Mutale encouraged personnel to seek lasting inner peace through God, saying the world can offer only temporary peace.
Why a peaceful election matters for Zambia’s economy
Peaceful elections are primarily a democratic and security priority, but they also carry practical economic consequences. An orderly campaign and voting period reduces disruption to transport, retail activity and working hours, while credible institutions can limit the uncertainty that delays investment and purchasing decisions.
Companies should nevertheless maintain proportionate continuity plans for election week, including staff transport, supplier communication, cash-flow management and verified information channels. Our guide on how Zambian businesses should plan for the election period offers a practical checklist, while our analysis of policy certainty, investment and employment explains the longer-term link between governance and growth.
Intercessions for leaders and families
The event concluded with intercessory prayers for the country’s leadership and for a peaceful electoral process before, during and after voting. Prayers were also offered for the Zambia Air Force chain of command and military families.
Music was led by gospel artist Ephraim, popularly known as the Son of Africa, alongside the Zambia Air Force Choir.
The call for peace complements other institutional preparations ahead of voting, including the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s ballot paper distribution process. Readers can also explore our Election 2026 Economics coverage.
The Judiciary has echoed that same push for a credible process: read our report on Chief Justice Malila’s call for judicial independence in resolving 2026 election disputes.
Photo credit: Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
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In related election-logistics news, ballot papers have arrived in Livingstone District for the Central and Maramba constituencies ahead of the August 13 vote.
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For a full side-by-side of both campaigns, see our analysis comparing Hichilema’s record with Mundubile’s Tonse Alliance platform.
