"They Have Revealed How Devilish They Are": Akashambatwa Speaks Out After Being Tear-Gassed in Mongu

Veteran politician Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika says he was tear-gassed while campaigning for opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile in Mongu, and used his first public remarks afterward to declare that the experience only strengthened his resolve to see President Hakainde Hichilema's government voted out on 13 August.

"When the tear gas got into my eyes, I felt that it was a confirmation that we were right to speak against this government," Akashambatwa said, addressing supporters once the effects of the gas had worn off. "So being tear-gassed is nothing.

Africans have died for African freedom in many numbers." MUVI has not independently confirmed the full circumstances of the incident, including who fired the tear gas, and is seeking further details.

Akashambatwa, a founding member of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy and co-chair of the Council of Elders that has endorsed Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu, framed the episode as proof of the very case he has been making against the ruling UPND. "I'm quite happy that they have revealed how devilish they are, and we are not afraid," he said.

"Tear gassing peaceful citizens is a clear demonstration that we have a bad government. I will not ever support a government which tear gases opponents. And they demonstrated that, and I'm sorry for the general public, the citizens who suffered under that tear gas. Your suffering is not in vain."

He praised Mundubile and Zulu for continuing to campaign despite what he described as intimidation, harassment and a restrictive election environment, and accused the incumbent president of using government resources to campaign across the country ahead of polling day.

"He needs to be seen all over the country as he is saying goodbye, because he won't get another chance," Akashambatwa said.

Closing his remarks, he called on Zambians to hold their resolve in the final stretch of the campaign. "We have less than ten days to use our powers to remove a government which has nakedly shown us to be a bad government," he said.

"A day of freedom is coming, and it will not be stopped as long as we do not surrender, and we shall not surrender."

Akashambatwa's remarks add to a wave of reported violence and disruption during the campaign period, including incidents in Kalingalinga, Luampa, Mwembeshi, Kaputa and Mazabuka.

President Hichilema has repeatedly condemned political violence in public statements, most recently on 4 August, saying the law "is blind to party colours" and that no political party would shield perpetrators.