Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Hakainde Hichilema has put to rest the debate on the purported plans to establish a US AFRICOM base in Zambia by stating that no such base will be established in the country.
Speaking at the national media conference in Lusaka today, President Hichilema says there is no US military base in the country other than Zambian military bases.
He expressed concern that some people have been spreading falsehoods without getting the views of government officials over the matter.
President Hichilema says a military attaché at the US Embassy is not equivalent to having a base.
He says those insinuating the establishment of the AFRICOM base in Zambia are emotionally charging citizens and will be the first ones to complain when arrested.
President Hichilema has reminded the media that they have the power to raise the bar of discourse in the country by separating pettiness from real issues, wondering why the media would allow a falsehood to be debated for such a longtime.
He has since challenged the media to self regulate, stating that the government will not regulate the media, but that the media needs to professional and responsible.