Zambia’s White Leader Backs Down As Power Struggle Sparks Riots

Yeepa, most of the Zambia Citizens are not finding it funny with their acting president Guy Scott backed down Tuesday after his attempt to sack the ruling party chief sparked riots and a rejection of his authority as a white leader in Africa.

Scott reversed his decision on Monday to sack Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Edgar Lungu just days after the death of president Michael Sata following fierce criticism and a meeting with cabinet ministers.

Lungu would remain in place at least until after Sata’s burial on November 11, and “the central committee of the PF will then be convened,” Scott said on state radio.

Hundreds of Lungu supporters rampaged overnight in the capital Lusaka, stoning motorists, burning tyres and singing anti-Scott songs before being dispersed by police firing teargas.

Ahead of Scott’s retreat Tuesday, crowds were seen assembling again in several townships, possibly in preparation for more protests.

“Can you believe it that, 50 years after independence, we have a white man as president?” Willy Phiri, a party supporter, told AFP in Lusaka’s Olympia area.

Source: Vanguard