Inauguration Of HH Must End Repression In Zambia – Amnesty International

The inauguration of former opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema as Zambia’s new president must end repression within the country, Amnesty International have said.

In an article published on their website, Amnesty stated that the inauguration of Mr Hichilema is a chance for the country to make positive changes with respect to human rights, after a longstanding period of repression under President Edgar Lungu’s rule.

“Under the outgoing president, Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s human rights record has deteriorated sharply. Opposition leaders and activists have been arrested and detained, prominent media houses have been shut down, and police crackdowns on peaceful protest have led to several deaths,” Amnesty said.

Speaking on the matter, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa Deprose Muchena added that under the new lead of Mr Hichilema, repression within the country must end.  

“The inauguration of Hakainde Hichilema must spell the end of a dark era of repression in Zambia. We are calling on the new administration to place human rights at the centre of their agenda, including by removing restrictions on the peaceful exercise of human rights, and ensuring accountability for past violations in order to end the culture of impunity,” he said.

“Years of intensifying repression have pushed Zambia to the brink of a human rights crisis – now is the time for a decisive break with the past,” Mr Muchena added.

In order to resolve these issues, Mr Muchnea believes that the President-Elect must adopt a “bold and decisive human rights strategy”.

Photo: AFP