State defends Kabila visit

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 07:33:00 +0000

By SIMON MUNTEMBA and IRVIN MUYUMBWA

…Congo President was in Zambia to strengthen bilateral ties between two countries

THE recent visit to Zambia by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila was on the invitation by President Edgar Lungu to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries and discuss the political and security situation in DRC, the government has clarified.

And acting Foreign Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo told Parliament yesterday the preliminary investigations shows that the traffic accident involving President Kabila’s motorcade in Lusaka on February 18 this year was because the driver of a Toyota Dyna, registration number ACJ 8318 disobeyed orders.

Professor Luo was responding to questions by United Party for National Development (UPND) Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo who wanted to know what the purpose of President Kabila’s visit to Zambia was.

In response, Prof Luo said Mr Kabila undertook the two-day working visit to Zambia at the invitation of President Lungu to discuss various issues and strengthen the existing ties between the two countries.

She indicated that being the current deputy chair of SADC organ, Troika on politics, defence and security cooperation, it was imperative for President Lungu and his counterpart President Kabila to discuss various issues pertaining to the political and security situation in the DRC.

Meanwhile, Government says it will not be detracted from engaging neighbouring DR Congo President Joseph Kabila at diplomatic level amidst criticism from the opposition on his recent visit to Zambia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji in a telephone interview from Rwanda yesterday said Government is answerable to the international community and therefore, the President will do what is right for the international community.