The SP leader has faced repeated arrests in the preceding months as the party remains a leading voice against the neoliberal policies of the Zambian government

The unchecked price rise of Zambia’s staple maize meal is forcing a reduction of nutritional intake in a country with one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world

SP President Fred M’membe was arrested on August 22 on an additional charge in a case of political violence in the Serenje district in April. Despite having been attacked by members of the ruling UPND, M’membe and other SP leaders were arrested by the police

Dr. Fred M’membe was arrested on charges of libel on August 8, after he was summoned for questioning by the Zambian police. An outspoken critic of imperialist and neoliberal policies, M’membe had long warned of his arrest amid attacks on the Socialist Party

A warrant was issued against Socialist Party President Fred M’membe without any of the proper formalities being followed. He said that the police, in collaboration with ruling UPND cadre drafted into the State House security, intended to “abduct” him

According to the Socialist Party, their party members were attacked at a campaign meeting ahead of a by-election in the Serenje district and SP President Dr. Fred M’membe was later arrested

Zambia is heading toward critical negotiations to restructure its mounting debts. The IMF has approved a $1.3 billion bailout plan for the country, which will impose cruel austerity measures on the Zambian people

Hakainde Hichilema is likely to take the country further down the neoliberal path by wooing the IMF. Fred M’membe, the candidate of the newly formed Socialist Party, who came fifth, has called for a continuation of the struggle for a just and humane society