ZAMBIA: Ceasefire, HH tells UPND members to avoid violence even when provoked

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has ordered his party members and supporters across the country to immediately disengage from violent activities or risk being handed over to the police.

Hichilema, in reaction to the recent political violence seen in the country, stated yesterday that his party wants peace and not violence even when provoked. 

In a memorandum to provincial, district, constituency and ward officials and UPND sympathisers copied to church mother bodies and the Inspector General of Police, Hichilema stated that his party rejected the use of violence to settle political disagreements. 

Ceasefire, HH tells UPND members to avoid violence even when provoked. 

“In light of the recent increase in violence against our supporters, as well as media representatives and other opposition actors, I am writing to you to reinforce our unfailing commitment to peace and unity. Within the UPND, it is very important that we regularly remind our members and supporters that we reject the use of violence and that acts of violence will not be tolerated within our ranks,” Hichilema stated.  

“We must provide leadership and direction on this matter and send a clear message that acts of violence and intimidation are incompatible with our values as a party and our ambitions for Zambia.” He stated that all UPND officials must tell all supporters to use their NRCs and voters cards as weapons rather than engaging in violence. 

“As such, I urge you to stress to our supporters that the only weapons we should arm ourselves with are NRCs and voters cards. Meanwhile, our message to those who provoke us or seek violence must be clear and consistent across the country: ‘WE WANT PEACE. WE DO NOT WANT VIOLENCE’,” Hichilema stated.  

“At the same time I want to take this opportunity to caution you that information reaching us is that PF cadres are planning to stage various fake attacks in the country in order to try and label UPND as a violent party. To protect ourselves against this, please be extra vigilant of PF cadres disguised in UPND regalia and make sure you’re on guard against such tactics.” 

He advised all party members to swiftly report any attacks on them, their families and friends to police and the party campaign centre. 

“We also ask you to please advise our party supporters to report any attacks against them, their families and friends or members of their community both to police and to the UPND National Campaign Centre, so we can help expose them and call for justice,” stated Hichilema.  

During Youth Day celebrations last Saturday, PF cadres brutally attacked UPND supporters over a marching slot, demanding that they, as the party in power, be in front. This was happening as Vice-President Inonge Wina, sports and youth minister Vincent Mwale and PF secretary general Davies Chama watched from the VIP tent. 

The PF cadres also stripped naked a female UPND supporter while police were watching without rendering any help.

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