Reject Violence, Protect Zambia’s Peace
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 6-08-2026 -- The Government has urged the people to reject all forms of political violence, avoid being used by political actors, and protect peace before, during, and after the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Mr. Dickson Matembo said Zambia’s peace was a shared responsibility and called on citizens to refuse any attempts to drag them into acts of violence during the election period.
Mr. Matembo said government had been concerned by reports and videos circulating on different media platforms showing incidents of violence, saying such actions had no place in Zambia’s democratic process.
He said political parties and their supporters must respect the laws of the country and allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.
Mr. Matembo said government had observed that some incidents appearing on social media needed careful investigation, as there were indications that some individuals could be deliberately creating situations to blame others and damage the image of political opponents.
He pointed to videos circulating on social media where individuals were allegedly seen changing political regalia after acts of violence, saying such behaviour was meant to create confusion and shift blame.
Mr. Matembo said President Hakainde Hichilema had made it clear that anyone who breaks the law must answer for their actions, regardless of the political party they support.
“Once the law catches up with you, you are on your own. It does not matter which political party you belong to,” Mr. Matembo said.
He appealed to young people and other citizens being encouraged to participate in violent activities to walk away, warning that they could end up facing the consequences of actions carried out for political interests.
Mr. Matembo also advised citizens not to be misled by false information surrounding government programmes, particularly the mobile registration exercise.
He explained that the exercise was carried out in phases and that people who participated in the second phase were already receiving their payments, while preparations for the next phase were underway.
He urged members of the public not to allow themselves to be used by individuals seeking to create confusion and trouble.
Mr. Matembo said government remained committed to protecting citizens and ensuring that every Zambian had the freedom to participate in the elections peacefully.
He called on security wings to thoroughly investigate reported cases of violence and ensure that those found wanting were dealt with without favour or discrimination.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media Thabo Kawana said government was aware of what he described as attempts by some political players to create a picture of instability as the country heads towards elections.
Mr. Kawana said some acts of violence being witnessed were not accidental but were part of alleged plans aimed at blaming government and President Hakainde Hichilema.
He said some people were allegedly provoking confrontations with security officers, knowing that police would respond when public order was threatened.
Mr. Kawana alleged that some individuals were causing disturbances and later attempting to link the incidents to the ruling party by wearing its regalia.
He said such actions were aimed at creating anger among citizens and influencing public opinion ahead of the elections.
Mr. Kawana also urged media houses to uphold fairness and responsibility in their reporting during the campaign period, saying citizens depended on the media for accurate information.
He said Zambia had enjoyed peace over the past five years and urged citizens not to allow political differences to destroy the country’s stability.
Mr. Kawana reminded Zambians that the law would apply equally to everyone, whether they belonged to the ruling party, opposition parties, or any other political grouping.
He encouraged young people not to sacrifice their future by taking part in violence, urging them to participate in the democratic process peacefully.
Mr. Kawana said the responsibility of protecting Zambia’s peace did not only belong to government but to every citizen before, during, and after the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
Comments
Post a Comment