Zambia: Edgar Lungu prescribes unity ahead of reconciliation talks

President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has called for unity among political groups ahead of reconciliation talks between the government and the opposition.

The leader of the opposition United Party for National Development, Hakainde Hichilema, was arrested with five others in April and charged with plotting to overthrow the government after his convoy failed to make way for Lungu’s motorcade.

Hichilema was freed from prison in August after the state dropped the charges, to pave the way for dialogue between the two sides following mediation by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

Opposition UPND members of parliament, who boycotted Lungu’s last address, attended Friday’s session, saying their attendance would give confidence to the dialogue process.