EFF deplore arrest

THE Economic Freedom Fighters note with grave concern the arrest of the Zambian opposition leader of the United Party for National Development, Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

The EFF further notes the unwarranted house raids and harassment of his family.

The EFF condemns the arrest of Mr Hichilema in the strongest possible terms, particularly when such is political arrest and intolerance.

The people of Zambia, through peaceful elections, chose President Edgar Lungu, who, through political tolerance and harmonious contestation of ideas, was able to lead an effective campaign.

Despite Mr Hichilema’s neo-liberal ideas that will not lead to much-needed transformation of social circumstances and economic emancipation in Zambia, there is no need to arrest him.

There is no reason that should lead to political intolerance, violence and arrest of those that we disagree with over opposing political views.

The EFF will never tolerate political arrest and intolerance anywhere in the world, regardless of opposing views, particularly opposing views of political orientation.

Political intolerance often reflects political parties that are terrified of political contestation.

And we believe President Lungu had made progressive and admirable decisions to work with members of the opposition party when elected to office to transform the social circumstances and economic emancipation of people of Zambia.

This makes the arrest of opposition leaders unreasonable, reckless and regrettable.

The EFF calls for the immediate release of Mr Hichilema.

If President Lungu wishes to retain any moral gravity and political sensibility to emancipate the people of Zambia, he must do the right thing: intervene and ensure that Mr Hichilema is released and all charges are dropped with immediate effect.

The EFF will write an official letter to the president of Zambia to request that he avoids political arrests and all forms of intolerance.

The continent needs to move towards acceptance of political differences. Mbuyiseni Quintin Ndlozi EFF National Spokesperson