EFF STAGES A PROTEST AT FRA HQ

 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly condemned the lies and deception being peddled by the Hakainde Hichilema administration regarding the seven-month delayed payment of farmers who sold their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

EFF Leader Kasonde Mwenda says contrary to government claims, thousands of farmers across Zambia remain unpaid. 

"Our party has verified this situation on the ground: farmers are sleeping outside banks, queuing in the rain, begging for their own money — money the government owes them" Mwenda lamented 

He says instead of taking responsibility, the UPND government has chosen to lie to the nation.

He said on Monday, January 12, the EFF staged a peaceful demonstration at the FRA Headquarters in Lusaka after confirming that FRA officials are misleading the public while farmers continue to suffer in every province of the country.

He said what makes this scandal even more disturbing is that the government has already sold the maize collected from farmers and openly admitted that the money was diverted to non-essential and less urgent activities such as by-elections, constitutional amendments, and constituency delimitation — while the people who produced the food remain unpaid and desperate.

Mr. Mwenda said this reckless conduct has destroyed farmers’ ability to buy farming inputs on time and has caused widespread crop failure.

Mr. Mwenda said the delay has increased poverty in farming communities and has prevented many parents from sending their children to school.

He said this has also placed Zambia’s food security at serious risk

He said with the rainy season ending in just two months, this government’s negligence threatens to push the nation into dangerous food insecurity.

He said the EFF has verified that farmers remain unpaid in Luanshya, Kasama, and many other districts. 

Mr. Mwenda said the suffering is real, adding that the lies must stop.

He said that 73% of Zambians depend on agriculture for their livelihood.

Mr..Mwenda said eglecting farmers is neglecting the nation.

He said the Economic Freedom Fighters therefore demand immediate and full payment to all affected farmers. 

"We warn the UPND government that continued delay is not only immoral but economically destructive" Mr. Mwenda said.

He adds that "When the EFF forms government in August this year, farmers will come first — because food security, dignity, and economic justice are non-negotiable".

By Evans Sinjela