LUSAKA - Political analyst John Sichangwa has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to prioritise national reconciliation and healing as he begins his second term in office.
Mr Sichangwa's call follows the arrest and treason charges against opposition leader Brian Mundubile and 17 others, developments he says have raised concerns about Zambia's democratic space.
He noted that the arrests came after the August 13 general election, in which Mr Mundubile emerged as the main challenger to President Hichilema.
Mr Sichangwa said the evidence against the 18 accused persons has not yet been tested in court and cautioned against determining their guilt or innocence in the court of public opinion.
He stressed that due process must be followed and that the constitutional rights of the accused should be respected.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, Mr Sichangwa noted that Zambia has previously experienced politically sensitive treason cases. He recalled that President Hichilema was charged with treason while in opposition in 2017 before the State later discontinued the case.
Mr Sichangwa reiterated that President Hichilema should use the beginning of his second term to promote reconciliation and national healing.
He said political competition should not divide the country but should instead allow Zambians to focus on unity, economic growth and national development.
Source: Phoenix News
By: Raphael Mulenga