Zambia ‘investigates’ white farmers

LUSAKA – The Zambian government is investigating allegations that a group of white farmers and safari operators plotted to undermine President Levy Mwanawasa in the country’s upcoming elections.

The president’s office has accused the white farmers and safari operators of working with an opposition party to cause artificial food shortages ahead of elections later this year. On Wednesday, presidential spokesperson David Kombe said: “State house has no intentions to play down or politicise these allegations but will ensure that the matter is investigated to its logical conclusion.”Government has an obligation to institute investigations.”The farmers and safari operators rejected the accusations and threatened to take legal action against Alfred Chipoya, a Mwanawasa aide who allegedly unearthed the plot.According to a letter, dated April 3 and signed by Chipoya, four white commercial farmers and safari operators attended a meeting organised by the opposition Patriotic Front (PF).At the meeting they resolved to mobilise the white community against Mwanawasa.The meeting was supposedly convened by PF secretary general Guy Scott, who has close links to several white commercial farmers and safari operators.Scott served as agriculture minister under ex-president Frederick Chiluba.He resigned to join the opposition.Mwanawasa is standing for a second term in the elections.No date has been announced for the polls.- Nampa-AFPOn Wednesday, presidential spokesperson David Kombe said: “State house has no intentions to play down or politicise these allegations but will ensure that the matter is investigated to its logical conclusion.”Government has an obligation to institute investigations.”The farmers and safari operators rejected the accusations and threatened to take legal action against Alfred Chipoya, a Mwanawasa aide who allegedly unearthed the plot.According to a letter, dated April 3 and signed by Chipoya, four white commercial farmers and safari operators attended a meeting organised by the opposition Patriotic Front (PF).At the meeting they resolved to mobilise the white community against Mwanawasa.The meeting was supposedly convened by PF secretary general Guy Scott, who has close links to several white commercial farmers and safari operators.Scott served as agriculture minister under ex-president Frederick Chiluba.He resigned to join the opposition.Mwanawasa is standing for a second term in the elections.No date has been announced for the polls.- Nampa-AFP