Zambia : Government Condemns Recent Political Violence Incidents

Government has strongly condemned recent incidents of political violence ahead of the August 13 general elections.

Speaking during a joint media briefing in Lusaka today, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Dickson Matembo, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, Thabo Kawana, said government is concerned by reports and videos of political violence circulating on various media platforms.

The Permanent Secretaries alleged that some of the disturbances are being deliberately orchestrated to portray the country as unstable and tarnish the image of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND Administration.

Mr Matembo said some acts of violence are allegedly being orchestrated by irresponsible political cadres seeking to create a false impression that the ongoing election campaigns are characterised by widespread violence.

He alleged that in some instances, individuals have deliberately staged violent incidents and changed political regalia after the attacks in an attempt to shift blame to other political parties.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated President Hichilema’s consistent stance against political violence, stressing that anyone found breaking the law would be held individually accountable.

He further disclosed that government is aware of alleged plans to stage more violent incidents and urged anyone being pressured or recruited to participate in such acts to refrain from doing so.

Mr Matembo has, however, assured the nation that government remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens and maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.

He also appealed to political players and members of the public to uphold peace before, during and after the elections, saying every citizen has a responsibility to ensure the country conducts peaceful polls on August 15.

Mr Matembo has since called on the Zambia Police Service to promptly investigate all reported incidents of political violence and arrest those responsible without fear or favour.

Meanwhile, Mr Kawana observed that violence incidents have been recorded in Western, North-Western and Southern provinces, adding that authorities are aware of alleged plans to stage similar occurrences in other areas.

The Permanent Secretary said the alleged objective is to portray President Hichilema and the government negatively during the election period and influence public opinion.

He appealed to young people to avoid participating in violent activities, warning that anyone found breaking the law would face prosecution and risk missing the opportunity to vote in the general elections.

Mr Kawana also accused some media outlets of promoting political propaganda during the campaign period, claiming that the stations are being used to advance partisan interests.

The Permanent Secretary maintained that Zambia has remained peaceful over the past five years and credited President Hichilema’s leadership for promoting national unity and restraint.

Mr Kawana also reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the August 13 general elections are conducted in a peaceful environment, and called on all political players and citizens to uphold peace before, during and after the polls.

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