Zambia’s government has warned the opposition not to hold anti-gay rights protests during US Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit.
Protests are planned by the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party ahead of a democracy summit in the capital, Lusaka.
Ms. Harris will arrive in the southern African country on Friday and will deliver a speech at the summit, which is being co-hosted by Zambia, the United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and South Korea.
Without providing evidence, 50 opposition MPs have claimed that the event is part of a plan to impose gay rights on Zambians.
Amnesty International Zambia has urged the government to take a strong stance in support of LGBTQ rights and to avoid disrupting the summit with protests.
According to Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu, the authorities will not tolerate lawlessness during the summit.
In response to the threat of protests, President Hakainde Hichilema has called for calm and dialogue.
“We understand the PF’s and other stakeholders’ concerns, and we are committed to engaging in constructive dialogue to address these issues,” said President Hichilema.
Mr. Hichilema pledged earlier this month to uphold Zambia’s anti-homosexuality laws.
It was a lie, he said, to say his government supported gay rights.
Ms. Harris is scheduled to visit Tanzania on Wednesday and Zambia on Friday.
