LUSAKA, Zambia

Zambia's president fired the country's army commander Thursday, replacing him with his deputy.

"President Hakainde Hichilema has in exercise of the provisions of Article 91 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia elected not to renew the contract of appointment of Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi as Zambia’s army commander. The President congratulates the outgoing army commander on his distinguished career in the Zambian Army and wishes him God's blessings pending his redeployment in the diplomatic service," said a statement issued in the capital Lusaka by State House Chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka.

Hichilema swore in Major General Geoffrey Zyeele on the same day at State House in Lusaka, with Hamasaka adding that the appointment and promotion was in exercise of the provisions of Section 165 (1) of the Defense Act, Chapter 106 of the laws of Zambia and Article 91 (1) of the country's Constitution.

"The President has since appointed Major General Geoffrey Zyeele as Zambia’s army commander and has since promoted him to the substantive rank of lieutenant general in the Zambian Army," Hamasaka further indicated.

He said Hichilema had also appointed Brigadier General Luswepo Sinyinza as deputy army commander and promoted him to the substantive rank of major general.

"The appointment and promotion is in exercise of the provisions of Article 91 (1) and Article 92 (2) (e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia," Hamasaka said.