Govt urged to subject AFRICOM matter to a referendum

The Operation Young Vote (OYV) has appealed to president Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government to put the issue of the setting of a US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to a popular vote through a referendum in the event there are plans to establish the command in the country.

OYV Executive Director Guess Nyirenda says the alleged authorization by the government for the United States of America to set up the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Zambia must be taken with caution if true, as a unilateral decision by government alone on such a gigantic issue risks being misconstrued.

Mr. Nyirenda states that while it is appreciated that president Hichilema has said that there was nothing of the sort of establishing the us command base, it is key to note the inimitableness in which the AFRICOM deputy director for strategy, engagement and programmes, brigadier general peter baily was received and some unclear postings on social media regarding the meeting held at state house.