WE AREN’T SAFE AT ALL
…citizens scared of gun toting UPND cadres, says Msoni
By George Zulu
THE opposition is no longer safe in Zambia with many known United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres publicly carrying and brandishing guns all over ahead of the August 13 general elections, says Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance senior member Nason Msoni.
And New Heritage Party (NHP) president Chishala Kateka says the UPND is a very violent party, which must not be allowed to rule the country beyond August 13.
In an interview with The Mast yesterday, Msoni, the leader of All People’s Congress (APC) party, one of the partners of the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance, said the UPND was prepared to cause mayhem, warning that living in Zambia under President Hakainde Hichilema was no longer safe.
Msoni wondered why known UPND cadres were being allowed to move around with guns at nomination centres threatening other citizens.
“This is very strange. Zambians are scared. They’re asking what will happen to them if the UPND cadres are beating, stoning and hacking each other over nominations. Zambians feel threatened and unsafe under this brutal regime,” he said.
Msoni said violent attacks were recorded in Chikuni, Bweengwa, Monze Central and Manungu, and those who chose to contest as independent candidates were beaten and forced to withdraw.
He said Mazabuka had not been spared, with a known State House linked operative arrested over the attack on Gary Nkombo.
“This is not something Zambians should take kindly or ignore. The UPND plans evil for this country. These elections will not be free and fair and I hope the international community is watching these unfolding events. We don’t want Zambia to be the next story of electoral violence like it happened in Tanzania months ago,” Msoni said.
He said the widespread violent attacks reported in Chavuma, Mpongwe, Ndola, Solwezi, Kazungula, Sesheke, Mongu and other places was a clear reflection of a failed government and leadership.
“Cadres have been unleashed on candidates and they are attacking each other within the UPND over nominations. Cadres are moving with guns during nominations. How secure are we as citizens? These people are attacking each other; they seem to be ready to do the unthinkable,” Msoni said.
He said Zambia had reached a boiling point where the UPND would use force to hold onto power.
“I’m saying this is a planned and well-prepared syndicate to beat people and I foresee a situation where this kind of tactic may happen during campaigns and even during elections,” Msoni said.
The UPND had sensed the possibility of losing power to the opposition alliance and now wanted to resort to intimidation and violence.
And New Heritage Party (NHP) president Chishala Kateka says the UPND is a very violent party which must not be allowed to rule the country beyond August 13.
Kateka said the violence that erupted UPND strongholds vindicated those who had a view that UPND was a violent organisation.
“Why is it that we are only having violence across UPND strongholds and no other areas, a clear sign this party does not mean well for the people of Zambia,” she said.
Kateka said Zambians were angry because the UPND had failed to live up to the expectations of many Zambians.
“That is why you see jubilation when key opposition leaders decided to work together. Even within UPND, people are not happy with the leadership structures,” she said.
