In a dramatic press briefing, Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, has revealed what he described as an “alleged plot” by opposition political parties to undermine Zambia’s international reputation. According to Mweetwa, these opposition groups are allegedly fabricating claims of human rights abuses to tarnish the image of the UPND (United Party for National Development) government and destabilize the country’s progress.
The press conference, held in Mongu, Western Province, focused on the government’s discovery of a coordinated campaign to manipulate public perception both locally and internationally. Hon. Mweetwa stated that opposition parties are reportedly organizing individuals to flood social media platforms and international organizations with false emails accusing the government of human rights violations under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
In a strong condemnation of the alleged scheme, Hon. Mweetwa referred to it as “dirty” politics and warned Zambians not to fall for the opposition’s “desperate attempt” to mislead the public and the international community. He further accused the opposition of recruiting individuals to act as victims, targeting young people, women, and vulnerable groups to participate in the fabricated campaign.
“This is an orchestrated effort to harm Zambia’s image and progress, and we must not allow ourselves to be deceived,” said Mweetwa, urging citizens to stay vigilant in the face of such misleading tactics.
He also took the opportunity to remind the public of the atrocities committed during the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government, highlighting the widespread human rights abuses, police brutality, and politically motivated violence under the PF’s rule. Mweetwa emphasized that many lives were lost due to these human rights violations, a situation he described as “unprecedented in Zambia’s history.”
In contrast, the Minister challenged the opposition to provide any evidence of individuals who have suffered human rights abuses under the current UPND administration. He stressed that people currently in police custody or facing legal proceedings are there due to legitimate criminal activities, not political persecution.
Hon. Mweetwa also highlighted the significant progress Zambia has made since the UPND government took office, citing the resumption of budget support from international partners such as the European Union. This, according to Mweetwa, is a clear indicator of the international community’s renewed confidence in Zambia’s governance.
He reiterated President Hichilema’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining transparency, promising continued efforts to ensure justice and development for all Zambians. Mweetwa labeled the opposition’s campaign as a “failed and desperate attempt” to undermine Zambia’s progress.
At the conclusion of the briefing, Mweetwa urged all Zambians to remain focused on the country’s development goals and to support President Hichilema’s vision for a prosperous future. He called on the international community to disregard the alleged human rights claims and reaffirm Zambia’s commitment to good governance and justice.
Keywords: Latest news in Zambia, Zambia’s international reputation, Cornelius Mweetwa, human rights abuses, opposition political parties, UPND government, President Hichilema, political violence, Zambian progress, international support for Zambia
