The Zambian president has declared a state of emergency. Some say this is an ominous move, designed to clamp down on the opposition and a free media. Last week he held a press conference to explain his actions — but his answers seem to raise more questions. In Edgar Lungu’s words: • On the constitution: "The constitution says that when things happen, the president can use this power." • On dictatorship: "They will say I am a dictator ... I have a job to do. People say I am being excessive — yes, allow me to be excessive for once in the interest of the Zambian people; but that excess is within the law." • On the IMF: "I am saying this openly: if the IMF thinks we have gone beyond the norms of good governance and democracy, [it is] free to go." • On the opposition: "People think I am targeting political players: I am not. I am bringing sanity to our country so there is law and order ... those who are careless and incite people by peddling falsehood through social and print media, are ...
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