The Zambian Police has denied allegations that six of its officers were placed on suspension for refusing to block former President Edgar Lungu when he took a tour of Lusaka’s Central Business District.

Lungu had, on Thursday, caused a minor stir when he decided to take a walnut around the Lusaka’s Central Business District which turned into a rowdy scene as traders and residents cheered his name, while others whistled and motorists honked in solidarity as he strolled through the area.

Local media reports that despite the potential risks his presence could have generated, Lungu was warmly welcomed at Lusaka’s biggest trading marketplace, Soweto, as he waved at the traders, and motorist while assessing the cost of living and engaging with traders.

Lungu’s actions however, drew a cautious response from the Zambia Police, who have always warned against organising unlawful assemblies.

On Friday, there were various reports that the police had suspended six officers who failed to prevent the ex-President from embarking on the march due to its potential of causing a breach of public peace.

However, the police, in a statement, said the claims were baseless and misleading.

The statement issued bu Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, said contrary to the allegations, no police officer had been suspended on the said allegations.

“Our investigation has revealed that such an incident did not occur, and therefore, no disciplinary action has been taken against any officers in connection with this matter,” Hamoonga said.

The police spokesman urged the public and media outlets to verify information before disseminating it to avoid causing panic and confusion.

“Even the typo errors can show that the statement was done in a hurry by a person with ill motives with such mistakes as ‘commandi’ instead of Command,” he noted.

He further pointed out that Zambia Police Service had no Public Relations Officer with the name ‘Rea Hamoonga, which was quoted as the person who released the statement.

The United States government has commended Nigeria’s monetary policies under President Bola Tinubu which it says has fostered economic growth within the short period he has been in power.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, State Department, Joy Basu, who made the assertion at a digital news conference with select Nigerian journalists, said the government’s policies were conducive for businesses to thrive, as well as strengthening and positioning the nation’s economy for overall growth.

Basu, stressed that the U.S. was committed to fostering its collaboration with Nigeria in order to “tackle myriad pressing issues and obstacles, which Nigeria, being Africa’s largest economy, was facing.”

The envoy said her country was working closely with the U.S. Treasury, Nigerian authorities and African central banks towards ensuring public and private sector economic restoration, stability and prosperity across Africa.

Basu stated that the U.S. was also working on curbing Africa’s security, infrastructure and energy challenges against the backdrop of the recently concluded 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas,

“We just came back from a meeting in Abuja, which was between the Secretaries of State and the United States is committed to being a good partner of prospect,” Basu said.

“We have made commitments to work on the security situation, infrastructure and energy, which is a common challenge not only in Nigeria but in some other countries in the continent.

“We have made concrete commitments to work on an enabling business environment in Nigeria and to make sure that American companies that are investing in Nigeria are having a transparent experience.

“We are working closely with our U.S. treasury, and with the central banks of African countries, particularly Nigeria and the World Bank, to restore the economy, help the people and ensure public and private companies to thrive,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, Reta Lewis, President, U.S. Export-Import Bank, highlighted U.S. efforts towards bolstering trade and investment across Africa, and emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in fostering stronger U.S.-Africa partnerships.

“We are prepared to work with African countries and stakeholders from these MoUs to partner and foster competition.

“88.5% of the transactions that Exim does on a yearly basis is in small businesses.

“We feel small businesses are going to be part of the work we do, not only in the U.S. but in Africa,” Lewis said.

She also urged the participating journalists to always highlight the positive strides being made by U.S. to support businesses and bolster economic growth in Africa against the backdrop of the continent’s prevailing challenges.