Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: June 8, 2025
Lusaka, Zambia.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has strongly refuted recent allegations by Patriotic Front (PF) faction Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda, branding his claims of a government-imposed travel ban on former President Edgar Lungu as both misleading and inflammatory.
Speaking in Lusaka, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe dismissed the assertions as “false, malicious, and calculated to provoke public sentiment.” Nakachinda had alleged that the State had restricted Mr. Lungu’s movements had only permitted him to travel to South Africa for medical attention during the visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights.
According to Simuuwe, there was no travel ban whatsoever. In fact, he noted that formal clearance for Mr. Lungu’s trip had been granted three weeks prior to the arrival of the UN envoy, directly undermining Nakachinda’s narrative. “There was no attempt to curtail the former president’s travel. These are fabricated stories intended to mislead the public and sow discord,” he stated.
Simuuwe further revealed that the government is aware of a letter being circulated by PF officials, purportedly from a senior Cabinet official, insinuating State involvement in blocking Mr. Lungu’s travel. That letter, he said, has been handed over to investigative authorities and will be scrutinized under Zambia’s cyber laws for possible criminal forgery or misinformation.
The UPND spokesperson criticized Nakachinda for what he termed a “pattern of reckless commentary” and cautioned against exploiting sensitive national issues for political gain. “Making deliberate falsehoods, especially during times when the country seeks unity and progress—is not only irresponsible, it borders on incitement,” Simuuwe warned.
Addressing the broader context of the UN visit, Simuuwe emphasized that the international official was invited to Zambia by the government to review the human rights situation, including unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings under the previous PF administration. He clarified that the Rapporteur’s mission had nothing to do with Mr. Lungu’s movements or any political restrictions.
In a notable gesture of balance, Simuuwe highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s approach to leadership as one grounded in rule of law and humane governance. He cited the recent compassionate release of former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) on medical grounds as evidence that the UPND administration values justice and human dignity.
“President Hichilema has shown restraint and statesmanship. If his intention were political retribution, there are constitutional mechanisms he could have pursued, including the lifting of immunity. Instead, he has chosen to uphold the dignity of former leaders,” Simuuwe stated.
In closing, Simuuwe urged Nakachinda to refrain from escalating tensions with “provocative and unfounded statements,” reminding him that his current legal entanglements are a direct result of his own conduct.
The Agency.