U.S. Threatens Sanctions On Individuals Who Violate Human And Democratic Freedoms

The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Zambia have threatened to impose sanctions on individuals who violate either human or democratic rights and freedoms during the upcoming elections.

Speaking during a media briefing, the embassy interim Chargé d’Affaires David Young said that those who violate such rights during the August 12 general elections may also receive visa restrictions and travel bans.

“Now, when fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms are violated, United States can and does, according to our law, apply visa restriction, travel bans and financial sanctions,” he said.

Mr Young added that such sanctions had so far been placed on individuals from Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Nicaragua and Central America following fraudulent elections.

The restrictions can be applied to anyone, the interim Chargé d’Affaires added.

“Sanctions can be applied to officials in government and quasi-government bodies, security and police forces, political party members whether from ruling party or opposition, party cadres or leaders of such groups or front groups, election managers and any other figures who participate in or instigate others to violence.”

Mr Young’s comments follow a statement released by the U.S. Embassy which promoted free and fair elections across the world.

“We support a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful democratic process. We support Zambia’s democratic process. The U.S. Government stands arm in arm with Zambian people and all people around the world in working for and protecting democracy,” the statement read.

Such threats by the United States follow on from concerns both nationally and internationally about the level of democracy the people of Zambia receive.

The Council on Foreign Relations said that the current situation “looks worryingly like a case study in ongoing democratic decline,” whilst The Economist outlined concerns that President Lungu and the Patriotic Front seemed to be “using the power of the state to buy off or bully voters.”