Politics
Government Rejects European Parliament Resolution as Premature
Government has rejected the European Parliament’s Resolution on Zambia’s post‑election situation, describing...
By Ruth Chayinda
Government has rejected the European Parliament’s Resolution on Zambia’s post‑election situation, describing it as premature and lacking sufficient consideration of all material facts.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe said serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should be based on verified facts and informed by engagement with the Government concerned.
Mr. Haimbe noted that the resolution was adopted under an urgency procedure without prior engagement with the Zambian Government and before publication of the final report of the European Union Election Observation Mission.
He said Zambia has since requested the EU Delegation in Lusaka to convene a formal partnership dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service at the earliest opportunity.
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Mr. Haimbe added that Government will engage relevant European Parliament committees and EU institutions to provide factual clarification and ensure Zambia’s position is accurately reflected in ongoing dialogue.
On investigations into the death of former Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, Mr. Haimbe said the matter is still under probe by the Zambia Police Service, with independent oversight from the Human Rights Commission. He emphasized that the bereaved family has been accorded the opportunity to participate in the postmortem through a legal representative and an independent pathologist.
Mr. Haimbe dismissed suggestions of a policy of extrajudicial action, stressing that facts will be established through due process. He reaffirmed that the Judiciary is independent, with all persons entitled to constitutional protections, fair trial, and access to legal representation of their choice.
He denied allegations of arbitrary detentions, stating that all arrests were conducted in accordance with Zambian law, and official records do not corroborate figures cited in the resolution.
Mr. Haimbe urged the European Parliament, European Commission, and cooperating partners to allow Zambia’s institutions to carry out their work independently and without undue influence.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to transparent investigations, the rule of law, democratic institutions, and its strategic partnership with the European Union, including cooperation in trade, investment, development, and critical raw materials.
Source: Zambia24 — Read more
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