YALI deflated by UPND dialogue u-turn

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has described the United Party for National Development’s decision to rescind its earlier position on dialogue as a major setback to reconciliation.

Last week, a statement purported to have been issued by UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema called for unconditional dialogue among political players, but UPND Secretary General Steven Katuka has dismissed the statement saying their incarcerated leader has at no time issued such a statement.

YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza has told Q-News that it would have been gratifying if the opposition party had gone ahead with the reconciliatory path.

Mr. Mwanza says that the country can only move forward if the opposition and the ruling party are at peace with each other.

Mr. Mwanza has however, appealed to President Edgar Lungu to use his discretion, through the Director of Public Prosecutions and release the opposition leader as his capacity to heed to calls for dialogue are handicapped behind bars.