HH Calls For Peace And Calm Following Disruption Of Eastern Province Visit

UPND Alliance leader Hakainde Hichilema (HH) has remained resolute in his calls for peace and calm in the face of attempts to disrupt his visit to Eastern Province yesterday. 

HH was first blocked from entering Malambo constituency, with police trucks photographed blocking the road and firing what appear to be smoke canisters and teargas. He was later detained for over two hours at Chipata airport where he appealed to officers to let him go about his business in a conversation streamed live on the presidential candidate’s Facebook page. 

UPND Alliance partner Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF) reported on the events in Malambo as they took place stating, “The President has assured me he is well, and he wants all party members to remain calm and non-violent in whatever campaigns they are conducting.”  

“We should have no retribution. We understand that the police are working under pressure. We understand that this brutal regime will stop at nothing but to ignite some kind of violence and chaos so that they find excuses for stopping the elections on the 12th August. That will not happen. The President has directed that all party members continue their campaigns without violence,” he continued.

KBF confirmed that HH is continuing his campaigns and added his own voice to calls for peace and calm in the country. 

The UPND Alliance leader later thanked Chipata following his visit stating, “Thank you Chipata! They teargassed you yesterday as you waited to welcome us. They detained us at the Airport till dark but you still remained awake and today you lined the roadsides to wave at us and assure that you will vote for CHANGE.  We owe you peace and development and through you, let everyone else out there vote for UPND. A vote for UPND is a vote for your better tomorrow.”