UPND Urges Commonwealth, EU to Apply Consistent Standards

The United Party for National Development -UPND- has called on the Commonwealth and European Union to apply consistent standards when addressing alleged security threats and political violence in Zambia. UPND Media Director MARK SIMUUWE says international organisations should…

The United Party for National Development -UPND- has called on the Commonwealth and European Union to apply consistent standards when addressing alleged security threats and political violence in Zambia.

UPND Media Director MARK SIMUUWE says international organisations should be careful not to issue statements that may appear to support or ignore terrorism, insurgency or violence.

Mr. SIMUUWE says the same measures applied to such threats in other parts of the world should equally apply to Zambia.

In a statement to the media, Mr. SIMUUWE said the Commonwealth and EU should be concerned by reports of the alleged militarisation of an opposition political party and activities that may threaten national security.

He added that political affiliation should not shield anyone from scrutiny where there are credible allegations of organised violence or unlawful possession of military weapons.

Mr. SIMUUWE said the UPND supports fair investigations and respect for people’s rights, but the law must apply equally to everyone regardless of political affiliation.

He said political parties should not have armed or military groups, and any claims of terrorism, violence or illegal possession of weapons should be properly investigated by the law.

Mr. SIMUUWE has called on the Commonwealth, European Union and other international partners to support Zambia’s democratic institutions while respecting the country’s independence.