Zambia to co-host second summit for democracy

Minister of Justice Mulambo Haimbe has announced that Zambia is set to co-host the second summit for democracy, together with other four countries across the continent.

ZANIS reports that Mr Haimbe disclosed that Zambia will co-host the summit on March 29 and 30, 2023, with the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Mr Haimbe stated that President Hakainde Hichilema will co-host the summit for the African region, with 16 African countries at the level of Head of State expected to participate.

The Minister explained that Zambia’s selection to host for the African region comes against the background of the country’s strong commitment to the principles of democratic governance, respect for the rule of law and human rights.

“World leaders from co-host nations will assemble in a virtual leaders-level plenary on March 29, 2023, this will be followed by a series of gatherings with representatives from each government, civil society, and the private sector in each co-host location,” Mr Haimbe said.

He revealed that the objective of the Second Summit for Democracy 2023 (SD42) is to underscore the global desire for transparent, accountable and rights respecting governance.

Mr Haimbe further said the first Summit for Democracy (SD41) was hosted by the United States of America in December, 2021, which kicked off a year of action by participants to make democracies more responsive and resilient.

He said this will build a broader community of partners committed to global democratic review.

The summit will be held under the theme: ‘Free, fair and transparent elections in Africa.”

The sixteen African countries expected to participate in the summit include Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles and South Africa.