TEARGAS IN KALABO AND MONGU: MUNDUBILE DENOUNCES STATE-SPONSORED BRUTALITY, APPEALS TO EU, SADC AND AU TO SAFEGUARD ZAMBIA’S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

TEARGAS IN KALABO AND MONGU: MUNDUBILE DENOUNCES STATE-SPONSORED BRUTALITY, APPEALS TO EU, SADC AND AU TO SAFEGUARD ZAMBIA’S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS MONGU, August 6 – Opposition Leader Hon. Brian Mundubile has strongly condemned the state-sponsored disruption of NRPUP rallies, police brutality, and escalating intimidation against peaceful Zambian citizens in Western Province, just eight days to the […]

TEARGAS IN KALABO AND MONGU: MUNDUBILE DENOUNCES STATE-SPONSORED BRUTALITY, APPEALS TO EU, SADC AND AU TO SAFEGUARD ZAMBIA’S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

MONGU, August 6 – Opposition Leader Hon. Brian Mundubile has strongly condemned the state-sponsored disruption of NRPUP rallies, police brutality, and escalating intimidation against peaceful Zambian citizens in Western Province, just eight days to the August 13 general election.

Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon in Mongu, heavily armed police officers fired teargas directly into a peaceful campaign rally as Mr. Mundubile was preparing to address the people. Thousands of citizens, including women, youth and the elderly, were forced to run for safety, with many seeking refuge in a nearby church. Video evidence from the scene captures officers assaulting civilians during the unprovoked attack.

Earlier in Kalabo, police blocked the NRPUP campaign and fired teargas, compelling Mr. Mundubile to address supporters from the roof of his vehicle.

“We were in the middle of the rally when they started firing teargas. We know it was just a cover-up to give space to their snipers to take down chosen individuals,” Mr. Mundubile stated in a live broadcast after the Mongu incident. 

“Teddy Bear politics not welcome. Masked police means they are cadres covering up for snipers. The question is who do they seek to assassinate? We won’t relent. If we cower today we be cowards on voting day. The people of Western Province need to hear an alternative voice not just HH,” he said.

Mr Mundubile said “every attempt is being made using state machinery to stop us and to dampen the people’s will. “ Our tour in western province is a well-publicised  program given to us by the Electoral Commission of Zambia. We were fulfilling the program.”

“We call upon the international community to bear witness to this violence going on, and use resources at their disposal to ensure that this election is not sabotaged by the ruling party.”

BAD FAITH AND STATE INTIMIDATION
This latest violence comes barely hours after President Hakainde Hichilema pledged at a campaign prayer service in Kitwe to deliver free, fair and credible elections. It also follows a vague statement 24 hours ago that “violence, intimidation, or lawlessness will not be tolerated.”
“President Hichilema’s failure to decisively condemn the targeted attacks in Western Province by his party cadres was a clear green light for the state machinery to act with impunity today,” Mr. Mundubile said.

“His words mean nothing in the face of escalating, state-sanctioned terror designed to suppress the overwhelming demand for change. What is President Hichilema so afraid of? Our country is built on ‘One Zambia, One Nation’.”
Mr. Mundubile further accused UPND cadres of operating under the cover of official police uniforms to brutalize citizens and suppress opposition voices.

THE PEOPLE’S WILL, WILL PREVAIL
Despite the intimidation, Mr. Mundubile vowed the NRPUP would not suspend its campaign.
“I have a message for Hakainde: we are not afraid. We are standing firmly to defend the Zambian people. We have put our lives on the line for the sake of Zambians, and we are proceeding with our campaigns to deliver messages of hope,” he declared.

“The message for Hichilema and his administration is that the will of the Zambian people will prevail. What prevailed in Kaoma, Luwampa, Kalabo, Chingola, Chililabombwe, Chambeshi, and Kitwe was the will of the people. This should serve as a timely warning.”

Earlier today, Mr. Mundubile paid a courtesy call on His Majesty the Litunga at Limulunga Palace to pledge peace and progress for the region.
“It is deeply shameful that while the opposition upholds tradition and peaceful democratic engagement, the UPND regime responds with teargas and violence. This is not the Zambia we want.”

CALL TO ACTION
We urgently call on:
1. SADC, the African Union, and the international diplomatic community to immediately intervene and condemn this escalating police brutality and electoral violence.

2. The Electoral Commission of Zambia and Zambia Police Service to uphold their constitutional mandate and guarantee a safe, free, and fair electoral environment for all political parties.

3. International election observers to increase monitoring in Western Province and other hotspots ahead of August 13.

“We remain undeterred, resolute, and focused on delivering the change that Zambians desperately demand and deserve,” Mr. Mundubile stated.

“We have a right to campaign in Western Province just as President Hichilema campaigns freely. Our brothers and sisters here have a right to choose leaders of their choice. Change is coming next week. Police persecution will end.”
Police authorities in Western Province have not yet issued an official statement regarding the decision to disperse the Mongu rally.
God bless Zambia.

Hon. Brian Mundubile 
NRPUP Presidential Candidate

ISSUED BY NRPUP MEDIA COMMAND CENTRE