Zambia rejects European Parliament resolution as premature

Zambian Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe has criticized a European Parliament resolution regarding the country’s post-election situation, labeling it premature. Haimbe argued the resolution was adopted via an urgency procedure before the European Union’s election observation mission had released its final report and without prior consultation with the Zambian government.

The resolution addressed post-election developments and the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya on August 14. Haimbe stated that the circumstances of Kafwaya’s death are currently under police investigation with oversight from the Zambia Human Rights Commission, and rejected allegations of extrajudicial action. He emphasized that Zambia’s judiciary remains independent.

Separately, Haimbe participated in the 74th Extraordinary Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group in New York. Zambia, which currently serves as vice chair of the group, joined other member nations to reaffirm commitments to Commonwealth values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.