Government Blames Opposition for Recent Political Violence Ahead of August 13 Elections
The Zambian Government has attributed the recent incidents of political violence to what it describes as deliberate efforts by opposition parties to create the impression that the country’s electoral process is characterized by widespread unrest.
Speaking during a joint media briefing held by the Ministry of Information and Media and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo said preliminary reviews of videos from recent incidents indicate that some opposition supporters were responsible for provoking violence.
Mr. Matembo stated that authorities are also aware of other alleged planned activities aimed at escalating political tensions during the election period.
He has since directed the Zambia Police Service to accelerate investigations into all reported cases of political violence, emphasizing that anyone found responsible should face the law regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
Kawana Warns Against Alleged Planned Violence
Meanwhile, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said government has received intelligence suggesting that members of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) were allegedly planning acts of violence in Southern, North-Western, and Western provinces.
According to Kawana, the alleged objective is to create a negative perception of President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration.
He warned that security agencies are prepared to respond swiftly to any acts of violence and urged those involved to abandon such plans immediately.
Police Launch Review of Mongu and Kalabo Operations
In a related development, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba has ordered a comprehensive review of the police public order management operation conducted during the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance campaign rally in Mongu and Kalabo districts, where officers discharged tear smoke.
Mr. Musamba said the review will examine both police conduct and the behavior of political supporters to determine whether operational procedures and professional standards were followed.
The Inspector General also dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that someone died during the Mongu operation, stating that police have recorded no fatalities linked to the incident.
Police Ordered to Arrest Perpetrators
Mr. Musamba has further instructed police commissioners across the country to ensure all individuals responsible for recent political violence are arrested without delay as Zambia heads toward the August 13 General Election.
The directive follows violent incidents reported in Shibuyunji, Livingstone, and Luampa districts.
Police have reiterated that political affiliation will not shield any offender from prosecution, stressing that the law will be applied equally to all individuals involved in acts of violence.
