Government Rejects European Parliament Resolution as Premature

Government has rejected the European Parliament's resolution on Zambia's post-election situation, describing it as premature and lacking sufficient consideration of the material facts.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe said serious determinations concerning a sovereign state should rest on verified facts and follow engagement with the government concerned. The resolution, he noted, was adopted under an urgency procedure without any prior engagement with Lusaka, and before the European Union Election Observation Mission had published its final report.

Zambia has since asked the EU Delegation in Lusaka to convene a formal partnership dialogue with the European Commission and the European External Action Service at the earliest opportunity. Government will also engage the relevant European Parliament committees and EU institutions directly, Mr Haimbe said, to provide factual clarification and ensure Zambia's position is accurately reflected.

On the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, he said the matter remains under investigation by the Zambia Police Service, with independent oversight from the Human Rights Commission. The bereaved family has been given the opportunity to take part in the postmortem through a legal representative and an independent pathologist.

Mr Haimbe dismissed any suggestion of a policy of extrajudicial action, saying the facts will be established through due process. The Judiciary remains independent, he said, and all persons are entitled to constitutional protections, a fair trial and legal representation of their choosing.

He also rejected allegations of arbitrary detention, stating that arrests were carried out in accordance with Zambian law and that official records do not corroborate the figures cited in the resolution.

Mr Haimbe urged the European Parliament, the European Commission and cooperating partners to allow Zambian institutions to do their work independently and without undue influence, reaffirming Zambia's commitment to transparent investigations, the rule of law and its strategic partnership with the European Union — including cooperation on trade, investment, development and critical raw materials.