Zambia bans union activities at its oldest university after protests

The Zambian government has banned student union activities at the University of Zambia in the capital Lusaka after students protested against delay in payment of allowances.

Higher Education Minister Nkandu Luo told the media in the capital Lusaka on Monday that the allowances had been paid and the protests on Sunday were stoked by aspiring student leaders ahead of their upcoming union elections.

She further suspended all student union activities and told aggrieved lecturers – who were on strike since last week – that the ministry is holding discussions with their union.

The University of Zambia students blocked a major road on Sunday night and burned tyres and stones to protest against the accomodation allowances and the strike by lecturers, local media Lusaka Times reports.

Students union leader Adrian Matole also added that students are being evicted from their hostels for delayed payments.

The Vice Chancellor Luke Mumba told local media that the allowances are only for government-sponsored students and they will “engage the Scholarships and Loans Board secretariat to discuss the delay in the payment of project allowances”.

He added that the eviction of students was done after enough time was given for students to pay fees.

No arrests were made during the protest and the police say an investigation has been launched as they are patrolling the campus to maintain order.