FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NRPUP CONDEMNS POLITICAL VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION AND ATTACKS ON DEMOCRATIC FREEDOMS
The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) has, over recent days, been the victim of a number of attacks, acts of intimidation and attempts to suppress the constitutional rights of its members and supporters. We have also received further reports of threats of violence directed at opposition members by individuals associated with the governing party.
These incidents are deeply concerning and represent a direct assault on the democratic values upon which Zambia is founded. Equally troubling are reports of efforts to intimidate citizens, restrict freedom of expression and prevent opposition voices from being heard. Every Zambian, regardless of political affiliation, has the constitutional right to speak freely, associate freely and participate fully in the democratic life of our nation.
Particularly reprehensible are reports that some of these incidents occurred during a funeral gathering. Funerals are sacred occasions during which families, friends and communities come together to mourn, grieve and honour the lives of loved ones. No citizen should be subjected to intimidation, harassment, threats or political interference while attending a funeral. People must be allowed to mourn in peace, dignity and safety.
NRPUP wishes to state unequivocally that violence, intimidation, political coercion and threats have no place in a democratic society and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Equally, NRPUP makes it clear that it does not tolerate, support or condone violence from within its own ranks. Any member, supporter or official who engages in violence, intimidation, threats or unlawful conduct acts contrary to the values and principles of the party. Such conduct has no place in our movement and cannot be justified in pursuit of any political objective.
We call upon all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to reject violence and to utilise legitimate legal and institutional channels when reporting threats, disputes or allegations of wrongdoing. Democracy is strengthened through dialogue, accountability and the rule of law and not through fear, confrontation or intimidation.
We further call upon the Zambia Police Service to act impartially, professionally and without political influence. Law enforcement agencies must investigate all allegations of violence thoroughly and prevent acts of political intimidation regardless of the identity or political affiliation of those involved. The law must protect all citizens equally and must never be applied selectively.
NRPUP is equally concerned by the arrest of opposition members in circumstances where evidence has not been publicly presented. While we support lawful investigations and prosecutions where credible evidence exists, we reject any attempt to criminalise political participation or detain individuals on the basis of allegations alone. If authorities claim that party members have engaged in criminal conduct, such claims must be supported by evidence and subjected to due process. Justice requires facts, not assumptions.
Where allegations have been made, we call upon the relevant authorities to present the evidence supporting such claims and to ensure that all legal processes are conducted transparently, fairly and in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Zambia. No citizen should be deprived of their liberty on the basis of unsubstantiated accusations.
This is an urgent appeal for calm, restraint and responsibility from all political actors. Zambia’s democratic future depends upon our collective commitment to peace, justice and respect for the rights of all citizens.
NRPUP stands firmly against violence wherever it occurs and whoever commits it. We condemn violence directed against our members and supporters, and we condemn violence committed by anyone claiming to act in our name. Zambia’s future will not be built through fear, intimidation or political persecution, but through reconciliation, unity, justice and democratic accountability
We therefore call upon all political parties, their supporters, law enforcement agencies and civil society to work together to preserve peace, uphold the Constitution and protect the democratic rights of every Zambian citizen.
Brian Mundubile
President
National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP)