Zambia Tension: Lungu, detained opposition leader Hichilema agrees for political talks

Zambia’s president Edgar Lungu and detained opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema of the united party for national development have agreed to participate in talks to address the country’s political tensions.

The Commonwealth secretariat says President Lungu and  Hichilema agreed to a process of dialogue to prepare for reforms ahead of the 2021 elections.

This follows talks held between common wealth secretary general Patricia Scotland and both men on her visit to Zambia recently.

Hichilema is currently in prison awaiting trial on treason charges following an incident in which the convoy he was travelling in allegedly blocked the presidential motorcade.

The two leaders have been at loggerheads since last year when Lungu won a closely contested presidential election last year.