SOCIALIST PARTY PROTEST EXPULSION

Meanwhile, the Socialist Party has protested the expulsion and apologised to Mr Pages and the Cuban government for the decision made by the Zambian government.

The party’s General Secretary Cosmas Musumali, and 2021 presidential aspirant, Fred M’membe, said President Lungu’s decision was not a true reflection of the aspirations of the Zambian masses.

They duo said Mr Pages will remain a true friend to the Socialist Party and the Zambian the people. “Similarly, we would like to convey our apologies to the nine comrades that were humiliated at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA). Their commitment to the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the working class struggle was manifested by their humility in the face of all the injustice they had to endure on Zambian soil.

“Our comrade Benewende Sankara, President of the Sankarist Party of Burkina Faso, who was amongst those having been deported at KKIA, is back in his country and sent us the following text message: “I mark my unwavering support for the comrades of Zambia and all people in the struggle. My moral remains high and I know victory will eventually triumph over undemocratic and anti-social forces,” the due said in a statement

The duo said the expulsion of Mr Pages was however not an isolated act by an insecure and desperate act by President Lungu. “The socialist party has received 79 international congratulatory messages from political parties, trade unions and popular movements of 32 countries. The messages highlight the significance of the Launch of the Socialist Party in Zambia but also condemn the behaviour of President Lungu and his government,” they said.