Zambia To Uphold Human Rights, Liberties, President-elect Tells EU Diplomats

Zambia’s President-elect Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday assured EU diplomats accredited to the country that human rights, freedoms, and liberties of all citizens will be upheld under his rule.

Hichilema, who will take office next Tuesday after winning a general election last week, told the diplomats that they were free to engage with any citizen, including members of the opposition, to get their views on how he was governing the country.

He said protecting human rights and freedoms will help Zambia attract investment and goodwill, and in turn, enable him to fulfill his economic vision.

“You are free to meet anyone, talk to anyone, and ask about our leadership. No one from our end will call you to ask why, because we will ensure total freedom for our citizens while delivering economic development, as that is what they voted for,” Hichilema said, according to a statement issued by Brian Mwiinga, his press secretary.

Among the diplomats present in the closed-door talks held at Hichilema’s residence in the capital Lusaka were German Ambassador to Zambia Anne Wagner-Mitchell, Finland’s Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, Sweden’s Anna Maj-Hultgard, and Italy’s Antonio Maggiore.

Hichilema also separately met with US Charge d’Affaires in Zambia David Young to discuss ways to deepen US-Zambian ties.

Young also met the nation’s ex-President Rupiah Banda to thank him for his mediatory role in talks between Hichilema and his predecessor Edgar Lungu, after which the latter conceded defeat and opted not to challenge the result of the Aug. 12 elections.

Strong civil service

Hichilema will ensure that Zambia’s civil service is allowed to operate independently and its workers will be well paid, the president-elect’s press secretary said in a separate statement.

“The president-elect understands the value of a professional, independent and well-paid civil service and as such he will be working on ensuring that this is done, and not only for the public workers, but even for those in the private sector,” Mwiinga said.

The statement came after Hichilema met Simon Miti, head of Zambia’s civil service, for a briefing in the capital Lusaka.

Hichilema underlined his desire to work with all Zambians in the public and private sectors to make sure that his economic vision proves beneficial for the entire nation, the statement added.