Opposition parties in Zambia said Wednesday they will report President Edgar Lungu to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged political violence against his rivals.

Ten opposition figures told journalists in Lusaka President Lungu was to blame for an increase in violent crackdowns on opponents, including main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.

They showed an undated video of Mr Hichilema fleeing police firing teargas. The footage also purported to show shell casings left over from the firing of live rounds.

Mr Hichilema last week claimed he had survived an assassination attempt while campaigning in Sesheke in Western Zambia ahead of a recent by-election.

President Lungu and Mr Hichilema have a long and acrimonious history.

Citizens are maimed

In 2017 Mr Hichilema was arrested and charged with treason after his motorcade apparently failed to stop for the president’s.

“We cannot sit idle as our citizens are maimed by ruling Patriotic Front (PF) cadres and so we have taken the decision to report certain individuals to The Hague for facilitating a wave of political violence,” said Mr Charles Milupi, the leader of a smaller opposition party.

In addition to President Lungu, the coalition would also report the Home Affairs minister, President Lungu’s advisor, his press assistant, and the PF secretary-general.

“We have trust and confidence of the ICC and if they are not guilty they will be acquitted,” added Mr Milupi.

He claimed the footage showed police wanting to assassinate Mr Hichilema so that he cannot contest elections in 2021.

The East African