HH writes letter to Lungu over violence

Hakainde Hichilema

The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has called on President Edgar Lungu to urgently address matters of critical importance concerning the fundamental rights of Zambian citizens.

And Mr. Hichilema has asked President Lungu to fulfill his responsibility to the Zambian people and oversee equal application of the law to every Zambian regardless of political affiliation in order to uphold freedom of speech by not shying away from criticism.

In a letter addressed to President Lungu made available to QFM News today, Mr. Hichilema says the letter follows closely a serious attack and attempt on his life and other UPND supporters in Kitwe earlier this week, and in Mulobezi during the by-elections.

Mr. Hichilema says it comes after weeks of intimidation on UPND members by the PF cadres and attempts to restrict their movements and their democratic right to meet and talk with the Zambian people.

Mr. Hichilema says where violence has been the outcome; he strongly feels that there has been serious bias in favor of PF cadres in pursuing the perpetrators.

He says the guilty persons must be held to account regardless of their political affiliation.

He adds that no one can pretend to hold the head high as a democracy and beacon of peace and stability in the region while the law is applied so unevenly, and while the freedom of assembly and free speech are so clearly under attack.

The UPND Leader states that Zambians do not need permission from anyone, let alone a Head of State to express their opinions or assemble.

Mr. Hichilema furthermore states that on one hand President Lungu preaches One Zambia, One Nation and on the other he does not discipline the gun-running PF cadres and the PF Secretary General for his most offensive remarks on other citizens.

He says as political leaders, and for Mr. Lungu as President of Zambia, he strongly believes it is up to them to lead by example and condemn every act of violence perpetrated by one Zambian against another.