By 
New Heritage Party (NHP) president, Chishala Kateka, has condemned the planned state visit to Zambia by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, citing what she described as overwhelming evidence of Israel’s commission of genocide in Gaza.
Kateka urged the Zambian government to cancel the visit and uphold the country’s long-standing commitment to human rights, justice, and international law.
She told Zambia Monitor in an interview that both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) had found Israel guilty of crimes against humanity and genocide in Gaza.
“The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, for their roles in these atrocities,” Kateka said.
She emphasized that as a signatory to the Rome Statute, Zambia was legally bound to take measures to prevent and punish genocide,
including the arrest of individuals accused of such crimes.
Kateka cited Article 25 of the Rome Statute, which established courts individual criminal responsibility for genocide, and Article 86, which obliged states to cooperate with the ICC in arresting and surrendering suspects.
“The UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) also obligates states to prevent and punish genocide, and to refrain from aiding or abetting its commission,” she said.
Kateka argued that receiving the Israeli president with a red-carpet welcome would be “a grave affront to Zambia’s commitment to human rights and justice,” adding that it would be perceived as condoning Israel’s alleged atrocities and undermining Zambia’s historic reputation as a champion of anti-colonialism and human rights.
She reminded the government of Zambia’s proud legacy in supporting liberation movements and the global struggle for justice, referencing the posthumous award of one of Angola’s highest honors to Dr. Kenneth Kaunda for his solidarity with the liberation of Southern Africa.
“We urge the government to uphold this legacy and cancel the state visit. Instead, Zambia should join other nations in calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to Israel’s occupation, and accountability for those responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity,” Kateka said.
According to Zambian government, President Isaac Herzog of Israel is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to the Republic of Zambia from November 10 to 11, 2025.
The visit will reciprocate President Hakainde Hichilema’s 2023 trip to Israel and aims to strengthen bilateral relations anchored on mutual respect and shared aspirations for sustainable development.
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