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Zambia’s ex-president, Edgar Lungu, may have provided insight into how and why a dialogue with President Hakainde Hichilema could be made possible, saying that upholding democracy and the rule of law was the only forward.
In his opening remarks at a Central Committee meeting of the Patriotic Front, held on Saturday, Lungu informed attendees that he had received requests from various national stakeholders, including the Church, encouraging him to engage in dialogue with President Hakainde Hichilema.
This was conveyed in a statement issued in Lusaka on the same date by party Secretary-General Raphael Nakacinda.
Read more: Navigating free speech in Zambia: Balancing democracy, national security, by Hannet Mwimbe
“I am willing to meet President Hichilema if the talks or dialogue would be about restoring democracy, halting harassment of members of the Opposition, restoring the rule of law,” Lungu stated.
He emphasized that he held no personal grudges and hoped the proposed meeting would focus on these vital issues.
Lungu expressed concerns about the state of the Patriotic Front, citing alleged attacks on the party that he claimed were orchestrated by the government.
“This was an attack on democracy and the rule of law,” he mentioned.
He further stated that subsequent actions by the state, such as barring or preventing the Patriotic Front from participating in by-elections, undermined democracy and threaten the multi-party character of Zambia.
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