ZAMBIA: EU calls for end to political violence

THE European Union says it is deeply concerned with political violence that has engulfed the country.

EU head of delegation, Alessandro Mariani and the heads of mission of EU member states, have called on the law enforcement agencies to bring to book perpetrators of violence.  

In a joint statement issued yesterday, the union stated that only the absence of violence could guarantee free, fair and peaceful elections. 

“The EU delegation and the heads of mission of EU member states are deeply concerned by the recent incidents of politically motivated violence in Zambia,” read the statement in part. “The absence of violence is required to guarantee the Zambian people their democratic rights to free, fair and peaceful elections. Moreover, preventing such incidents will strengthen Zambia’s international reputation as a peaceful, stable and tolerant country and its stance as a destination of choice for foreign investments and tourism.”  

The EU delegation and heads of mission appealed to leaders to make a firm commitment to ending violence.  

“The EU delegation and the heads of mission of EU member states appeal to the leaders of all political parties to come together to make a firm and public commitment to reject violence, thus fulfilling the expectations of the peace-loving Zambian people who reject violence in all its forms,” stated the EU delegation and heads of mission.  

“We call upon the authorities to adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards all attempts by so-called party cadres to solve political differences by resorting to violence, to thoroughly investigate each case of political violence, and to bring to justice all perpetrators, regardless of their political affiliation.”

The Post