Zambians bemoan 'unnecessary' holiday

A decision by Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu to declare Friday a public holiday - a day after the country’s 55th independence day celebrations - has drawn a backlash from some Zambians who consider it unnecessary.

Zambia celebrates 24 October as an annual public holiday to mark the country’s independence from British colonial rule. But President Lungu also declared Friday a holiday “to give citizens enough time to reflect on our duties and obligations as citizens of this great nation”.

With businesses hit by power cuts that last up to 15 hours a day, Zambians on Twitter have been critical of Mr Lungu’s decision.