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Zambia’s Tonse Alliance has condemned the spread of unverified claims about President Hakainde Hichilema’s health , saying such conduct was unacceptable.
Alliance Deputy Spokesperson, Anthony Chibuye, who is also spokesperson for the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), said the condemnation applied to everyone, including Alliance members and supporters, who engaged in speculation about the president’s health.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Chibuye said political disagreements should not be used to justify personal attacks against opponents.
“Political disagreement does not justify cruelty. Wishing death upon another person violates the Christian convictions and respect for human dignity that we profess,” he said.
Chibuye said no member of the Alliance should mistake such behaviour for loyalty to the organisation, whose core mandate was to hold Hichilema and his government accountable on democracy, the economy and governance.
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“Our responsibility is to hold President Hichilema and his Government accountable on democracy, the economy and governance. Personal suffering must never become a political celebration,” he said.
Chibuye said the Alliance’s immediate concern remained the treatment of several of its leaders, including its leader Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu, Bishop Trevor Mwamba and Archbishop Alick Banda.
“Our immediate concern remains the treatment of President Brian Mundubile, Hon. Makebi Zulu, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Archbishop Alick Banda and other Zambians whose rights we believe are under threat,” he said.
Chibuye also condemned political mockery directed at the Church, detained opposition leaders and their families, saying dignity should not depend on political affiliation.
He called on Hichilema to publicly condemn similar conduct among his supporters and demanded fair treatment and respect for the rule of law for people whom the Alliance says are facing political persecution.
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