Zambia opposition leader released from jail

Zambia Opposition leader

From ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE Zambian government has dropped the controversial treason charges against opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema.He was arrested in April after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to the one transporting President Edgar Lungu.
The United Party for National Development (UPND), which he leads, dismissed the charges as trumped up.
Hichilema has been released with five co-accused after a deal negotiated by Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, during a recent visit to the Southern African country.
Immediately after his release, he drove to his party’s secretariat in Lusaka.
“We will unite out country,” Hichilema told party supporters.
Scotland said the release would help sustain peaceful dialogue.
“It is reasonable and offers a unique opportunity for the country to move forward in the interest of all Zambians,” she said.
Zambia is beset by tensions since contentious elections held last August.
Incumbent Lungu narrowly defeated Hichilema, who claimed the poll was rigged in his rival’s favour.
He also lost polls in 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2015.
– CAJ News