Emergency rule lifted

Emergency measures invoked by President Edgar Lungu three months ago have expired and will not be renewed. Legalbrief reports that Justice Minister Given Lubinda told Parliament that the special measures – a step towards a full state of emergency – would be allowed to expire. President Edgar Lungu imposed the measures on 5 July following a spate of fires in the capital Lusaka and other towns. ‘The expiration of the threatened state of emergency should not be taken advantage of as other existing laws still remain in force,’ said Lubinda. Lungu has denied accusations that he is creating a dictatorship in Zambia and has accused rivals of trying to overturn last year's election results. The Herald reports that United Party for National Development spokesperson Charles Kakoma said the government only used the decree to intimidate opposition supporters who were detained and later released without being charged.

Full report in The Herald (subscription needed)