Govt. praised for security measures

Former Special Assistant to the President for Policy, Project Implementation, and Monitoring under the late President, Levy Mwanawasa, Jack Kalala, has commended the government for taking steps to safeguard the country. Mr Kalala has emphasised that such measures should remain…

Former Special Assistant to the President for Policy, Project Implementation, and Monitoring under the late President, Levy Mwanawasa, Jack Kalala, has commended the government for taking steps to safeguard the country.

Mr Kalala has emphasised that such measures should remain within the law, be necessary, proportionate, in addition to the rule of law being fully observed.

He made the remarks in a statement issued to the media, in response to the Commonwealth’s comment and position regarding recent events in the country.

Mr Kalala highlighted that priority must be to preserve peace, protect lives and property, and ensure that Zambia remains stable and secure.

“Zambians should understand that the measures taken to protect national security and maintain peace and stability are ultimately aimed at safeguarding their lives, property, and livelihoods,” Mr Kalala stated.

And, underlining the evidence reportedly recovered from a named house in Kabulonga, particularly weapons and indications of preparations, Mr Kalala wondered why given such evidence, the Commonwealth expected the government not to act rather than allow potentially dangerous plans to proceed.

He further pointed out that when there is an imminent threat to national security, the government has a duty to take lawful measures to prevent greater loss of life and destruction.

Mr Kalala also expressed deep regret over the loss of life during the process, emphasising that such loss should never be taken lightly.

Meanwhile, Mr Kalala stated that the international community must also recognize that Zambia has laws and institutions in place.

“Under such circumstances, it would have been irresponsible for the government to ignore credible threats and wait until the situation escalated into something far worse,” he added.