Nevers Mumba having a luncheon with EU Ambassadors on Friday 19th February 2016
Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) president Dr Nevers Mumba says he has met many more diplomats on more occasions than any other opposition political leader in Zambia.
Reacting to the highly publicity meeting by 15 Diplomats accredited to Zambia being held for a luncheon at opposition UPND president Hakainde Hichilema’s residence on February 20, 2016, Dr Mumba boasts that his diary is loaded with invitations and meetings with diplomats accredited to Zambia and other eminent persons.
Speaking through the MMD acting Spokesperson Rev. Reuben Sambo, Dr Mumba says that diplomats meeting leaders of political parties is normal and nothing special, especially in an election year. He said meetings of politicians with Ambassadors are routine and they do not mean an endorsement has been given.
Posing for a photo with EU diplomats
Rev. Sambo said when MMD President Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba met ambassadors from the EU last Friday on 19th February 2016, the event was low key as Dr Mumba has been an Ambassador before and understands diplomatic etiquette. Dr Mumba revealed his meeting to the public on the MMD facebook page only after permission was sought from the head of the EU delegation.
With NEC members
Rev. Sambo added that on the day that the MMD secretariat was attacked recently by hooligans, the British High Commissioner went to pay a courtesy call on Dr Mumba. The British High Commissioner was en route to meet Dr Mumba at the Secretariat and was forced to U-Turn to avoid the fracas that was taking place at the party Secretariat. The meeting had to be held at Dr Mumba’s residence instead.
Rev. Sambo said Dr Mumba has met many more diplomats on more occasions than any other opposition political leader in Zambia and his diary is loaded with invitations and meetings with diplomats accredited to Zambia and other eminent persons.
Rev Sambo advised all leaders of political parties in Zambia to be sober on some of these issues and realize that diplomatic matters are very sensitive and should be handled carefully.