Zambia

Zambia: defence forces deployed to curb violences ahead of polls

Zambian security forces have been deployed to suppress electoral violence ahead of the 12 August general elections amid criticism by the opposition and other groups.

The authorization has been given by the country’s president Edgar Lungu.

“I have allowed the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service to help the Zambia Police in dealing with the security situation,” Mr Lungu said.

He said troops had already been deployed to some areas in the capital Lusaka and would be sent to other areas in the country “if the situation demands so”.

The All People’s Congress (APC) party says the move to involve the army is intended to cause “fear and intimidation” among the opposition.

The president, in deploying the army, cited the killing of two ruling party supporters in the capital, saying he would not allow that to be repeated elsewhere in the country.

Read also: Niger: 15 soldiers killed in a terrorist attack

The president is running for a second term in the elections.

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