Hichilema dismisses Lungu’s preconditions for dialogue, describes them as contemptuous

President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed concerns over the response and conditions set by his predecessor, Edgar Lungu, regarding the proposed national dialogue, calling them “contemptuous.”

In a statement on Thursday, State House Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, emphasized that while the President acknowledged the genuine intentions of the Oasis Forum and other stakeholders in facilitating the dialogue, he finds Lungu’s preconditions unacceptable.

“Mr. Lungu demands that President Hichilema cease funding the two factions of the Patriotic Front (PF) and restore the PF’s records at the Registrar of Societies to reflect its leadership as of October 23, 2023,” said Hamasaka.

He added that President Hichilema saw these demands as “strange and preposterous,” reiterating that the Head of State had no involvement in the internal affairs of the former ruling party.

“President Hichilema has always been committed to fostering peace and unity, which are vital for national development,” Hamasaka continued, stressing the President’s willingness to engage in dialogue with all citizens, including his “dear brother” Lungu.

Hamasaka further noted that disputes similar to those within the PF existed between Lungu and Miles Sampa before the 2015 Presidential by-elections, asking rhetorically, “Could those disputes also be attributed to President Hichilema?”

He concluded by reaffirming the President’s respect for the rule of law and his non-involvement in the governance of private entities, like the PF, via institutions such as the Registrar of Societies.

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