Zambian opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of constitutional breach in the sale of the Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining Limited in February for $1.1 billion dollars.
President of the EFF, Kasonde Mwenda, who made the accusation in a statement on Friday, said Hichilema had sold 51 per cent shares of ZCCM-IH in Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining without the required approval by Parliamentary which he said is a breach of the Zambian constitution.
Kasonde who said the transaction was an impeachable offense, added that it was just a matter of time before he meets the ramifications of the illegality.
“Article 210(2) of the Constitution clearly outlines the process for selling major state assets and necessitates approval from the National Assembly by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of Parliament,” Mwenda said.
He cited the constitutional provision acts as a safeguard to ensure transparency, accountability and oversight in the sale of key national assets.
Kasonde, however, opined that “Zambians should own and operate the mines and the export of ore should be banned to encourage processing in Zambia, producing finished products for export.”
“This position will result in increased revenues from the private sector, the creation of jobs and ultimately sustainable economic development leading to the economic emancipation of all citizens,” the EFF leader said.
He further lampooned the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti for refusing to raise question on the President’s breach of the constitution, saying it revealed a concerning trend of prioritizing the Standing Orders of Parliament over the supreme law of the land.
Kasonde accused Mutti of shielding Hichilema from accountability and scrutiny, “condoning executive overreach and undermining the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law.”
“The EFF calls on the Speaker to revisit her decision and allow for a thorough examination of the President’s actions in accordance with the Constitution and the principles of democratic governance.
“Failure to do so would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the very foundations of our democratic system,” Kasonde stated.
He also demanded that the President be held accountable for his “unconstitutional actions” and that the National Assembly upholds the principles of transparency, accountability and oversight in the sale of key national assets.