Zambians opposing HH in diaspora will be cor   nered – Chishimba

By BARNABAS ZULU

ALL Zambians living abroad who are against and insulting President Hakainde Hichilema will be followed, cornered and will be made to account for their transgressions, Saviour Chishimba has said.

Dr Chishimba, the United Progressive People (UPP) president and UPND Alliance partner has warned Zambians abroad that residence outside the country does not necessarily place anyone beyond the reach of the State.

Dr Chishimba said people should not mistake the Government’s tolerance and commitment to peace for weakness, warning that authorities could pursue individuals involved in conduct that crosses the boundaries of lawful political expression.

“You may cross the border, abuse social media, but remember: the State has no passport,” Dr Chishimba said.

He said while citizens in Zambia and the diaspora had the right to hold divergent political views, criticise government policies and participate peacefully in democratic affairs, such freedoms should not be interpreted as protection for activities intended to incite violence, organise unlawful activities or destabilise the State.

Dr Chishimba said President Hichilema had demonstrated considerable patience throughout his political career, including during periods when he faced arrest and imprisonment.

“President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated extraordinary restraint over the years. I have watched him closely and learned something from him personally. He is an exceptionally patient man,” he said.

Dr Chishimba said Zambia’s political environment required citizens to exercise their freedoms responsibly, regardless of where they lived.

He cited the case of former Nazi official Adolf Eichmann, who escaped to Argentina after the Second World War and lived there under an assumed identity before being located and captured by Israeli intelligence in 1960.

According to Dr Chishimba, Eichmann’s case demonstrated that geographical distance and residence in another country did not necessarily guarantee immunity from accountability.

“The enduring historical lesson, however, is unmistakable. Time does not necessarily erase accountability. Distance does not necessarily provide immunity,” he said.

Dr Chishimba said Zambians living in countries such as Britain, South Africa, the United States and elsewhere remained connected to Zambia and should conduct themselves in ways that protected the country’s dignity and interests.

He, however, acknowledged that political disagreement was a legitimate component of democracy.

“We can disagree politically. We can debate vigorously. We can challenge ideas and policies,” he said.

Dr Chishimba said governments had institutions and could cooperate across borders through established legal and investigative mechanisms.

He warned Zambians against assuming that because they lived outside the country, they were permanently insulated from accountability.

“Geography creates distance. It does not necessarily create sanctuary,” he said.

Dr Chishimba further urged citizens not to interpret President Hichilema’s commitment to peace and tolerance as an inability by the State to protect itself.

“President Hakainde Hichilema’s patience should never be mistaken for weakness. His commitment to peace should never be interpreted as an inability of the Zambian State to protect itself,” he said.

“Peace is strength exercised with restraint. Peace is not weakness. Tolerance is not surrender. Distance is not immunity. The State has a very long memory.”

He said Zambians should therefore exercise restraint in their political engagements, particularly on social media, regardless of their location.