Members of Zambia’s ruling UPND stormed the catholic-owned Radio Yusuf in Mpika to stop opposition leader Harry Kalaba from being interviewed on August 25.
Kalaba is a former Minister of Foreign Affairs who served as MP for Bahati from 2001 to 2019. He was the 2021 Democratic Party presidential candidate before founding the Citizens First Party in 2022.
In the video below, at least five people wearing UPND colors can be seen, with one individual wielding a machete, as they block Kalaba’s car from entering the gate.
Press statement by Catholic Reverand Edwin M Case from the Mpika Diocese
Most of you have seen, and are calling us to enquire about, the footage, on social media, of the fracas that took place yesterday in front of the main gate at our diocesan offices.
I am, therefore, writing to formally report an incident that occurred at the diocesan offices yesterday, Sunday, 25th August 2024 involving an invasion of our private property and harassment of our security guard at the main gate.
Between 1700hrs. and 1800hrs, a group of young men dressed in red regalia suspected to be affiliates of a major political party, forcefully entered our premises. According to our security guard, these unruly individuals breached the gate of the premises and removed him from his post and took over the task of managing vehicle access to our property. Their apparent intent was to disrupt a political program which was scheduled to Air at Yusufu Radio featuring Citizens First party President, Mr. Harry Kalaba.
The behavior of these individuals had caused significant distress and disruption, not only to our security personnel but also to the overall safety and security of our property especially Yusufu Radio station. Despite our guard’s attempts to manage the situation calmly and professionally, the intruders continued to act aggressively and threatening our staff members and residents at the property with some offensive weapons.
We have officially lodged a complaint to the police, here in Mpika, to investigate this matter and take appropriate action against the individuals involved. It is imperative that such incidents are managed to prevent any future occurrences and to ensure the safety and security of our premises and their occupants.
Mpika has always been known for its peaceful and secure environment. We urge all residents of Mpika, and especially our Youths, to reject violence and resist being exploited by individuals with political agendas. Finally, we call upon all Catholics in Mpika diocese who have been offended to remain calm and allow the police to do their work.
May I conclude by reaffirming the non-partisan stance of the Catholic Church in Zambia, o firm and longstanding position. The Catholic Diocese of Mpika, in particular, remains committed to this core principle.
We entrust all our prayers and needs to the intercession of St. Joseph the worker, the chaste spouse of Mary Mother of the Apostles.
Press statement by MISA Zambia on the incident
MISA Zambia has learnt with concern the storming of Mpika-based Catholic-owned radio station, Yusufu Radio, by suspected cadres on Sunday, 25th August 2024.
According to reports reaching MISA Zambia, supporters of a major political party forcefully entered Yusufu Radio and took over security of the station with the intent of disrupting a political Radio Programme which was scheduled to feature Mr. Harry Kalaba, an opposition leader.
We condemn these actions in the strongest terms because it is an upfront to freedom of expression which is provided for in the constitution of Zambia under Article 20 and the international laws which Zambia has subscribed to.
Such actions are not only a threat to democracy but also to the role of the media in facilitating democracy. We call on the authorities to bring to book the culprits behind this unruly behavior in order to prevent future occurrences.
We commend Yusufu Radio for reporting the matter to the Zambia Police.
Since the cadres that stormed the station are clearly visible in the videos that were posted online, it is our expectation that the party involved should take action to curb such offenses as they are a threat to democracy.
Issued by MISA Zambia Chairperson: Lorraine Mwanza-Chisanga
