…barricade the Patriotic Front secretariat where the former head of State was scheduled to meet the MPs, central committee members and hold a press conference
By GIDEON NYENDWA
ARMED State police officers in amoured motor vehicles yesterday baricaded and sealed off Embassy Park in Lusaka the presidential burial site in a bid to prevent Zambia’s Sixth President Edgar Lungu from laying wreaths at late President Michael Sata’s mausoleum.
Legions of State police also surrounded the Patriotic Front (PF) secretariat to stop former President Lungu from addressing a scheduled press conference or meet the party’s central committee members and the Members of Parliament.
The two places were completely cordoned by heavily armed police officers with the roads leading to the two places completely blocked, while motorists were being redirected to use alternative routes.
Former President Lungu, along with his party, the PF, had planned to hold a ceremonial wreath-laying at late President Sata’s mausoleum but was unable to access the area following the police’s decision to surround the site.
The police presence also extended to the PF secretariat, where former President Lungu was scheduled to address supporters before proceeding to Embassy Park with Members of the Central Committee and Parliament.
PF chairperson for information and publicity Emmanuel Mwamba has condemned the police actions, describing actions as utter lawlessness and a suppression of citizens’ freedoms and rights.
Mr. Mwamba stated that the PF had been compelled to reschedule both the press briefing and wreath-laying ceremony due to the police’s interference.
And Citizens First Party spokesperson Frank Sichone criticised the police’s attempts to hinder the PF from honouring Mr Sata, describing it as shameful.
Mr. Sichone emphasised that PF members had a right to host the memorial service, particularly at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, which held significance given Mr Sata’s Catholic faith and the founding role he played in the PF.
He said the police had no authority to restrict the public from accessing a religious event or to prevent citizens from visiting Embassy Park, a site meant for public remembrance.
Mr Sichone also highlighted a clash between government-organised memorial services and the PF’s plans.
He said the government held its own commemorative service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, in cooperation with the Sata family, while PF members preferred a separate service.
Mr. Sichone criticized the government’s involvement in the arrangements, suggesting it was hypocritical to honour Mr Sata posthumously after having been critical of him during his life.
He also called on the police to act professionally and ensure that citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, religious expression, and public assembly are respected. Mr. Sichone noted that Embassy Park was a public space, and restricting access to it set a concerning precedent.
He expressed disappointment in the ruling United Party for National Development government, suggesting that the incident reflected a loss of direction in its leadership.
