Zambia not at war, Haimbe tells UN
By Thandizo Banda
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Zambia is not at war.
Speaking when he addressed the 81st Session of the UNGA on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, Haimbe reaffirmed that Zambia was enjoying peace after the August 13 general election.
Delivering Zambia’s national statement, Haimbe said Zambia remained peaceful, stable and democratic following the August general election.
“It is important to emphasise that Zambia is not at war. Zambia is a peaceful, stable and sovereign nation,” Haimbe said.
He said the peaceful conduct of elections before, during and after voting demonstrated Zambia’s commitment to constitutional governance and thanked citizens for renewing confidence in the leadership.
He said Zambia’s democratic journey was anchored in Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirmed that the will of the people shall be the basis of government authority through periodic and genuine elections.
“Despite the political differences that naturally accompany a democratic election, Zambia has demonstrated that such differences can and must be managed peacefully and through the established constitutional and legal institutions. Our democratic process should never be mistaken for conflict or instability,” Haimbe said.
He said following President Hichilema’s re-election, government’s focus for the second term was growth under the Grow Zambia agenda – more investment, more trade and more jobs for Zambians.
He said Zambia’s diplomacy must help grow Zambia through new markets, new investment partners and new friends in institutions that shape the global economy.
Haimbe also used the address to reaffirm Zambia’s candidature to the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2027 to 2029, describing it as a reflection of Zambia’s commitment to constitutionalism, rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights.
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