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Hichilema prevents former President Lungu from traveling to SA for medical attention
14 Sep 2023 at 01:48hrs | Views
In a recent development that has sparked controversy and debate in Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema's administration has reportedly prevented former President Edgar Lungu from traveling to South Africa for a medical review. The decision to block Lungu's trip has raised questions about the extent of executive authority, concerns over political vendettas, and the delicate balance between political rivalry and national interest.
Former President Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia's leader from 2015 to 2021, has been facing health issues, which reportedly necessitated a medical review in South Africa. Specific details about his health condition have not been publicly disclosed, but it is widely known that Lungu's health has been a matter of concern.
Last week, the Hichilema regime used police to stop Lungu from attending a church event.
Unsurprisingly, the decision to block Lungu's medical trip has sparked intense political controversy. Supporters of Lungu and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), have accused the Hichilema administration of political persecution and interference in the former president's personal affairs.
The decision to block Lungu's trip raises questions about whether due process and proper legal channels were followed. It also highlights the challenges of navigating the intersection of politics, governance, and individual rights.
The decision by President Hakainde Hichilema's administration to block former President Edgar Lungu from traveling to South Africa for a medical review is a contentious issue that underscores the delicate balance between political rivalries and the ethical and legal responsibilities of government.
On 4 September, President Hichilema denounced alleged coup plotters who he claimed were planning to undermine the country's democratic rule and stability by illegally seizing power. Coming after a string of military coups in West African countries, including Guinea, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Gabon, his comments have attracted widespread attention across the continent and beyond.
It is not clear why he sounded the warning, but it comes in the aftermath of several recent coups in Francophone Africa and complaints at home about the rising cost of living.
"To colleagues that think, we are timid by being kind and that they can break the laws and entertain thoughts of illegal takeover of government including undemocratic coup d'état… we are coming for you," he said.
Since gaining independence in 1964, Zambia has never experienced military rule, though there have been several foiled coup attempts.
Former President Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia's leader from 2015 to 2021, has been facing health issues, which reportedly necessitated a medical review in South Africa. Specific details about his health condition have not been publicly disclosed, but it is widely known that Lungu's health has been a matter of concern.
Last week, the Hichilema regime used police to stop Lungu from attending a church event.
Unsurprisingly, the decision to block Lungu's medical trip has sparked intense political controversy. Supporters of Lungu and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), have accused the Hichilema administration of political persecution and interference in the former president's personal affairs.
The decision to block Lungu's trip raises questions about whether due process and proper legal channels were followed. It also highlights the challenges of navigating the intersection of politics, governance, and individual rights.
The decision by President Hakainde Hichilema's administration to block former President Edgar Lungu from traveling to South Africa for a medical review is a contentious issue that underscores the delicate balance between political rivalries and the ethical and legal responsibilities of government.
On 4 September, President Hichilema denounced alleged coup plotters who he claimed were planning to undermine the country's democratic rule and stability by illegally seizing power. Coming after a string of military coups in West African countries, including Guinea, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Gabon, his comments have attracted widespread attention across the continent and beyond.
It is not clear why he sounded the warning, but it comes in the aftermath of several recent coups in Francophone Africa and complaints at home about the rising cost of living.
"To colleagues that think, we are timid by being kind and that they can break the laws and entertain thoughts of illegal takeover of government including undemocratic coup d'état… we are coming for you," he said.
Since gaining independence in 1964, Zambia has never experienced military rule, though there have been several foiled coup attempts.
Source - Byo24News
