Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba says the country is safe, peaceful and experiencing a normal situation.

In a travel advisory issued today, Ambassador Mwamba explained that the declared Threat of Public Emergency was a normal practice the world over to maintain law and order.

“On Wednesday July 5th 2016, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, proclaimed the Preservation of Public Security as provided for under Article 31 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia contained in a statutory instrument (SI) No. 53 of 2017. This proclamation would last for a period of seven days for which it would require Parliament approval if it went beyond seven (7)days. In the event that Parliament approved, it would only be there for a period of three (3) months. This measure is a democratic standard world over in the circumstances where there is a possible security threat to public safety or public peace, even when the incidents are isolated,” Ambassador Mwamba said.

He assured tourists that no constitutional freedoms had been suspended to Zambians, residents and travelers.

“Please be informed that this is not a State of Public Emergency. Further be notified that there is no curfew, no restrictions in movements, and no constitutional freedoms have been suspended to Zambians, residents, travelers, tourists or any foreigner. This action and measure is designed to immediately curb recent reported acts of isolated vandalism to public property and to help maintain Law and Order,” Ambassador Mwamba stated.

“We wish to emphasize that the Zambian government has not declared any state of emergency. Please be informed that business is going on normally, banks are operating normal hours, shops, hotels, and all public places remain open.

All airline flights to Zambia have kept their schedules and there has been no cancellation or rescheduling of any flights including night flights. All tourist spots remain open and no special restrictions exists against members of the public or foreign visitors.”

Ambassador Mwamba also explained that Article 31 had been invoked in order to protect investments.

“The action was also done to protect existing public and private investments. This was also done to ensure that Zambia maintains its reputed image of a peaceful country and friendly country ready for investment and tourism. Our quest is to guard our renowned peace jealously,” stated Ambassador Mwamba.