HH MISLEADING ZAMBIANS - KASONDE

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has exposed himself on a disconcerting pattern of misinformation and deceit on the debt restructuring process, says.Economic Freedom Fighters president Kasonde Mwenda.

Mr Mwenda said it is absurd that the Head of State could mislead the nation on a serious matter.

He said the revelation made by President Hichilema to the BBC, where he shockingly confessed about the collapse of Zambia's debt restructuring efforts, has left the nation reeling in disbelief and disillusionment.

“President Hichilema's announcement during the Nc'wala ceremony on February 24, 2024, raised hopes and sparked celebrations across Zambia and the global community. His proclamation of a successful debt restructuring deal, purportedly signed by India and China, was hailed as a pivotal moment in Zambia's economic recovery.

However, the abrupt reversal of this narrative, disclosed during his interview with the BBC on March 20, 2024, exposes a disconcerting pattern of misinformation and deceit.

“It is deeply troubling that President Hichilema has chosen to mislead the people on such a critical issue as debt restructuring, not once, but twice. The first was on June 24, 2023 when he misleadingly called the nation to celebrate successful debt restructuring that later turned out not to be true,” Mr Mwenda said.

He said the gravity of his actions cannot be overstated, as they have far-reaching implications for the country's economic stability and international reputation.

Mr Mwenda said by falsely proclaiming victory in debt negotiations, President Hichilema has not only betrayed the trust of his fellow citizens but has also eroded the credibility of Zambia on the global stage.