LUSAKA, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The head of the Commonwealth on Wednesday hailed the release of the country's leading opposition leader, saying the move will help to progress peaceful dialogue.
Hakainde Hichilema and his five other co-accused were freed by a judge on Wednesday morning after the state prosecutor dropped the treason charges against him.
They were arrested in April this year and have been in custody since then as treason is not bailable in Zambia.
Patricia Scotland, the secretary-general of the Commonwealth said the decision by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to issue a nolle prosequi to discontinue the case was understandable and reasonable as it offers a unique opportunity for the country to move forward in the interest of all citizens and to achieve political cohesion and reconciliation through dialogue.
"This is an opportunity for Zambians and their leaders to show the world that the Republic of Zambia still remains a symbol of peace and a beacon of stability, unity and political tolerance in Africa and the Commonwealth," she said in a statement.
She hoped that Zambian President Edgar Lungu and the opposition leader will put their differences behind and jointly seize the opportunity to address the issues that have deeply divided the southern African nation following last year's disputed elections.
Last week, Commonwealth chief visited Zambia and met both Lungu and the opposition leader where she facilitated a process of dialogue between the two political foes.
She has since appointed the Commonwealth peace envoy Professor Ibrahim Gambari as her representative to facilitate for dialogue between the leaders.
The Commonwealth, she said, would work towards ensuring that dialogue outcomes were implemented in good time for the 2021 general elections.
