Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, held a press briefing in Mongu, Western Province, where he revealed an alleged plot by opposition political parties to tarnish Zambia’s international reputation through fabricated claims of human rights abuses.
During the briefing, Hon. Mweetwa stated that the government had uncovered a scheme in which opposition groups are allegedly mobilizing individuals to flood social media platforms and international organizations with emails containing false accusations of human rights violations under the UPND administration. He alleged that the opposition’s plan involves recruiting individuals to act as victims of these supposed abuses and inciting young people, women, and other vulnerable groups to participate.
The minister condemned the alleged scheme, describing it as “dirty” and harmful to Zambia’s progress. He warned citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to what he called a desperate attempt by the opposition to mislead both the Zambian public and the international community.
Hon. Mweetwa also took the opportunity to remind the Patriotic Front (PF), the former ruling party, of the widespread human rights abuses, police brutality, and political violence that he claimed characterized their administration. “The atrocities committed by the previous government were unprecedented in Zambia’s history,” Mweetwa said, adding that several citizens lost their lives due to police brutality and politically motivated violence during the PF’s tenure.
The minister challenged the opposition to provide evidence of any citizen who has lost their life due to alleged human rights violations under the current government. He emphasized that all individuals in police custody or before the courts are there because of actual or alleged crimes, not political persecution.
Hon. Mweetwa highlighted Zambia’s progress since the UPND took office, noting that the country is on an economic recovery trajectory. He cited the resumption of budget support from international partners, including the European Union, as evidence of the international community’s renewed confidence in Zambia’s governance. This support, he claimed, had been lost due to the maladministration, corruption, and plunder of national resources under the previous government.
The minister reiterated President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, stating that the administration would continue to prioritize justice and transparency in governance. He dismissed the opposition’s alleged scheme as a “failed and desperate attempt” to undermine the progress and stability of the UPND government.
Hon. Mweetwa concluded by urging Zambians to remain focused on the country’s development agenda and to continue supporting President Hichilema’s efforts to uplift their lives. “Zambians have moved on from the past and are now committed to building a prosperous future for the nation,” he said.
The government also called on the international community to disregard the alleged claims of human rights abuses, asserting that they do not reflect the reality of the current administration’s commitment to governance and justice.
Doesn’t it take two to Tango ??
UPND continues to make the mistake of treating PF with civility and kiddie gloves. They are taking your ‘ways’ for weakness and stupidity. Deal with them in the language they understand and they will refrain from this nonsense. Ba UPND respectfully, your generic approach to everything is annoying.
What language baba. PF are Zambians just like Upnd and we are not in a one party state. Besides PF has been dismantled by your party so what more do you want? Keep the PF skeletons in your party headquarters?
No one can tarnish zambias image
If New dawn can meet the challenges Zambians are facing.
Just concentrate on giving what
Zambians Want like power, fuel,
Bring down cost of living etc.
Stop panicking and start doing the job you were elected to do to uplift people’s lives while upholding the rule of law across the board. Crippling blackouts and hunger are your Achilles heel.
Fantasy island. Which PF? Miles Sampa’s or the one lead by that fellow or remnants following Edgar Lungu? Namusobana chabe.
Zambia’s name is already tarnished what with people living with skeletons.
Or you are worried about the UN visit to zambia.
Human rights abuse is not just about killing people. It involves a lot of things.
There is no plot. Just do the right things. Broken record played by ruling parties in all previous governments
You do not allow the opposition to have public rallies. You have changed Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation(ZNBC) to a UPND media mouth piece, an entity run with tax payers money. You have redefined Sedition to detain your opponents. And the list is endless and you want to talk about imaginary plots by the opposition
Indeed why don’t we see opposition leaders on programs like ZNBC Sunday interview. The colonial public order act is totally abused to deny opponents Freedom of assembly, the Police I G should never be appointed by the President, therein lies the problem. There is no plot there is just your funny mingalato. Period
Just what is wrong with these chaps in government, why do they dream that there is economic recovery taking place in Zambia, when the economic situation is worsening by the day. Don’t we live in the same country and go to the same shops? Pocket power difference? We had better commodity prices under PF even with the same huge debt. Disclaimer – I am not PF but a realist
The difference between us commoners and Upnd officials is that they (Upnd) have more money in their pockets… enough to cater for ten households…. hence their belief that the economy has picked up… able to visit the Malls six times a day, how can they complain?
Just heard that Edgar Lungu has gone to either South Africa or the USA. They failed to stop him at the airport because his departure coincided with the arrival of a UN delegation. But why worry about a hapless person like Edgar.
The image of the country has already been destroyed by load-shedding, witchcraft accusations, arbitrary political arrests and artificial famine created by UPND where they sold food reserves! The opposition had nothing to do with that at all. To add insult to injury UPND govt have no plan how to stop load-shedding!!