By Jane Chanda
Former president Edgar Lungu has criticized President Hakainde Hichilema’s handling of the ongoing food crisis.
Lungu has accused President Hichilema of misinterpreting biblical scriptures that speaks to hunger in the Bible and failing to take responsibility for the situation.
In a statement today, Lungu said his administration had ensured food security through strategic planning and increased agricultural production, leaving a surplus of over 2 million tons of maize when he left office in 2021.
He claimed that the current administration’s decision to export the surplus maize had contributed to the current food shortage.
Lungu also accused Hichilema of ignoring expert advice not to export maize in 2022, despite warnings of an impending drought.
He described the current situation as a “national famine” and expressed concern that over 6 million Zambians would face hunger.
During a press conference at State House on Tuesday, President Hichilema attributed the food crisis to Biblical proportions, citing the story of Joseph in Egypt.
But Lungu dismissed this as an excuse for poor leadership and called on Hichilema to apologize for prioritizing commerce over human life.
The food crisis has seen mealie meal prices skyrocket to K380-K420 per bag, sparking widespread concern among citizens.
The development comes as Zambia faces one of its worst droughts in recent history, with many farmers struggling to cope with the effects.
