ZAMBIA PUSHES BACK AGAINST EU PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE

ZAMBIA PUSHES BACK AGAINST EU PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE The Zambian Government has responded to a European Parliament resolution on the country’s post-election situation, describing its adoption as premature and raising concerns over what it says was a lack of prior engagement with the Zambian authorities. In a press statement issued by the Ministry […]

ZAMBIA PUSHES BACK AGAINST EU PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE

The Zambian Government has responded to a European Parliament resolution on the country’s post-election situation, describing its adoption as premature and raising concerns over what it says was a lack of prior engagement with the Zambian authorities.

In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Government said serious conclusions concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and informed by engagement with the government concerned.

Government said it has requested the EU Delegation in Lusaka to convene a formal partnership dialogue involving the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), citing the principles of partnership dialogue, mutual respect and shared responsibility under the Samoa Agreement.

On the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya, Government said Zambian law recognises circumstances in which law-enforcement officers may use force in carrying out lawful duties, subject to legal safeguards and the principles of necessity and proportionality. It further said it would be premature to characterise specific incidents as murder before investigations are concluded and competent authorities make determinations.

Government has also questioned the timing of the European Parliament resolution, particularly while investigations and judicial proceedings remain ongoing, arguing that courts are constitutionally mandated to establish facts and determine legal issues arising from cases before them.

Despite the disagreement, Government says Zambia remains committed to its longstanding strategic partnership with the European Union, including cooperation in trade, investment, development and critical raw materials.

It has called on European institutions to allow constitutionally mandated institutions to conduct their work independently and without undue influence, while pledging continued engagement to ensure Zambia’s position is accurately reflected in ongoing dialogue.