The European Union has offered to support a national dialogue and reconciliation process in Zambia, should Government consider it necessary following the August 2026 general elections.
European External Action Service Director for Africa Francesca Di Mauro says the EU is ready to support efforts aimed at promoting social cohesion, inclusivity and democratic resilience, while respecting Zambia’s sovereignty, institutions and democratic processes.
Speaking during the second Zambia–EU Partnership Dialogue, Ms Di Mauro says the offer comes amid concerns raised by international and domestic stakeholders regarding the electoral process, civic space and the political environment.
She says electoral grievances should be addressed transparently through fair and impartial judicial processes, in accordance with Zambian law.
Ms. Di Mauro has also expressed the EU’s readiness to support Government and electoral stakeholders in implementing recommendations from its Election Observation Mission to strengthen future electoral processes.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe says Government should have been given an opportunity to formally consider and provide its observations on the EU Election Observation Mission’s final report before its public release.
Mr Haimbe says this would have allowed for a balanced appreciation of the electoral environment, including Government’s perspectives and clarifications.
He has acknowledged the importance of the mission’s recommendations in strengthening electoral administration, institutional capacity, transparency and public confidence, but has emphasised that election observation missions must operate within their mandate and respect Zambia’s sovereign processes, including national security.
Mr Haimbe says zambia is committed to engaging the EU in good faith, in line with the country’s constitutional and legal framework and its regional and international obligations.
By Rachel Mumba
