UPND president Hakainde Hichilema today met with Commonwealth special envoy, Professor Ibrahim Gambari who is in the country as a mediator in the dialogue process between him and Republican President Edgar Lungu.

According to Hichilema’s deputy Press Secretary Brian Mwinga, the closed door meeting took place at the opposition leader’s house in Lusaka’s New Kasama area.

“Mr. Hichilema welcome Professor Gambari to Zambia and also used the opportunity thank the church, civil society organisations and the Commonwealth for their efforts in fostering dialogue, peace, stability and unity for national development,” Mwiinga said in a statement issued today.

He added that Professor Gambari expressed happiness at the willingness by the UPND president, to begin the dialogue process.

“Mr. Hichilema was accompanied to the meeting by party vice-president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, Secretary General Mr. Stephen Katuka, National Chairperson Ms. Mutale Nalumango, Information Chairperson Mr Charles Kakoma, International Relations Chairperson Mr Mulondwe Muzungu, and Ambassador Joe Mwale,” said Mwiinga.

“Others who accompanied Mr. Hichilema included the current and former UPND members of Parliaments among them: Honourable Levy Ngoma, Honourable Douglas Syakalima, Honourable Rose Sakala, Honourable Gary Nkombo and Honourable Mary Chibwa.”