CONTINUING TENSION
Zambia postpones opposition-backed impeachment debate
The motion to impeach President Edgar Lungu has rekindled tension in Africa’s second-largest copper producer
Lusaka — Zambia’s parliament delayed a debate on Wednesday on a motion seeking to impeach President Edgar Lungu over accusations of breaching the constitution. Zambia’s main opposition party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), filed a motion last week. The notice set Wednesday as the date for the parliamentarians’ debate and vote on the motion. The motion has rekindled tension in Africa’s second-largest copper producer and threatens to derail Commonwealth-brokered talks between the government and opposition after disputed 2016 elections. "In view of the gravity of the motion, the same is being studied and we shall revert to you in due course," a letter read that was sent on Monday from the clerk of the National Assembly to Garry Nkombo, UPND parliamentary chief whip, who filed the motion. UPND spokesman Charles Kakoma said the motion would not be debated until parliament’s next session begins in June. Signed by a third of the 166-member house, the motion needs the bac...
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