…says President Lungu’s warning against youths is “unfortunate,” blames his political advisor.
A Political Activist and member of the Patriotic Front, (PF) has warned that blocking youths from their protest against Freedom of Expression will only agitate the current discontent amongst young people.
Thabo Kawana tells Byta FM News exclusively that government needs to hear the young people and address their grievances as opposed to warning them against their legal actions.
Kawana has described President Edgar Lungu’s warning against the youths as unfortunate and he blames Presidential Political Advisor, Chris Zumani Zimba of ill-advising him into making political blunders.
“I feel strongly that the political advisor is not doing his job properly because the President’s sentiments yesterday were rather, unfortunate… young people ought to be heard, ought to be given an opportunity to be heard and have their issues addressed, but to sought of warn the young people that if they dare try and protest then the police will deal with them is rather unfortunate,” said Kawana
He adds that the PF does not need an angry youth going to the ballot next year as that would have a negative outcome on the ruling party’s popularity among young people.
Kawana explains that the youths have abide by the Public Order Act and warning that police will deal with them, is not an answer their grievances.
President Lungu, while addressing PF members in Chirundu on Saturday, accused some political parties and Civil Society Organisations of using protests to destabilize government.
He directed Home Affairs Minister, Stephen Kampyongo to sternly deal with lawbreakers in the country.