Zambia: After a vote of 562, Lusaka calls for dialogue with the EU

The Zambian government contested on September 19 the resolution adopted two days earlier by the European Parliament regarding the post-election situation and the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya. Lusaka deems the text premature and has requested the swift initiation of formal dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

The European Parliament adopted its resolution on September 17 with 562 votes in favor, one against, and 33 abstentions. The text notably calls for independent and impartial investigations into the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya, as well as into allegations of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and unlawful use of force following the general elections on August 13.

In a statement signed by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, the government argues that the resolution was adopted without prior consultation with Lusaka and before the publication of the final report from the European Union’s electoral observation mission. It has requested the EU delegation in Lusaka to convene a partnership dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

Regarding the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya on August 14, authorities state that the circumstances are still under investigation by the Zambian police, with independent oversight from the Zambian Human Rights Commission. The government rejects any premature conclusions regarding a policy of extrajudicial executions and asserts that the family may be represented during the post-mortem examination by legal counsel and an independent physician.

Lusaka also disputes the figures presented regarding arbitrary detentions and maintains that arrests were made in accordance with Zambian law. The European Parliament, for its part, calls for detained individuals to receive procedural guarantees and for allegations concerning the operations of security forces to be subject to transparent investigations.

The European Union’s electoral observation mission, led by MEP Michael McNamara, deployed approximately 100 observers for the election. Its final report had not yet been published when the European Parliament voted on its resolution. The Zambian government claims it wishes to continue its cooperation with the EU in trade, investment, development, and critical raw materials, while requesting that the current dispute be addressed through the diplomatic channels outlined in the partnership.