By Chinoyi Chipulu
Current and former Rwandese Refugees Association in Zambia (FOCURRAZ) chairman Cedric Habimana says the alleged involvement of some Rwandese nationals in the immoral purchase of Zambia National Service (ZNS) mealie meal, threatens the safety and well-being of innocent refugees.
The association says this is a matter it takes very seriously.
ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi said Rwandese were the main culprits of the immoral purchase of mealie meal.
Gen Solochi urged members of the public to report those who were reselling the ZNS Eagles mealie-meal to the security wing for action.
In a statement, FOCURRAZ chairperson Cédric Habimana warned that Rwandese nationals involved in the immoral purchase of ZNS mealie-meal, stating that his association would work closely with law enforcement agencies to bring culprits to book.
“We are deeply concerned about recent media reports, particularly the one published on December 2, 2024 in the Daily Revelation Newspaper. The report alleges that certain individuals are responsible for the illegal and unethical price hikes of essential goods produced and distributed by the Zambian National Service (ZNS),” he stated.
Habimana said it was disheartening to see some individuals taking advantage of the economic difficulties faced by the Zambian people, who were still struggling with the aftermath of the 2023–2024 drought, to unjustly increase prices for their own gain.
“We stand with the ZNS leadership and the broader public in condemning these exploitative practices,” he said.
Habimana sair that whether these individuals were foreign investors or refugees, their actions harmed the public interest and tarnished Zambia’s image.
“We urge all members of the association and the refugee community to act with integrity and vigilance in all their endeavors,” he stated.
“I would like to warn any offenders that FOCURRAZ will work closely with law enforcement agencies and and urge responsible citizens to report any individuals involved in such unlawful activities.”
He said If any member of the association was found participating in these actions, immediate action would be taken.
“FOCCURAZ has a zero-tolerance policy towards dishonesty, especially when it endangers the peaceful and harmonious relationship we have long fostered with the Zambian host communities,” he stated.
Habimana said his organisation had always been advising the Rwandese to be law abiding citizens.
