Clashes outside Zambia parliament

Carrying placards that read “Wake up Zambia, it is our money”, they picketed parliament over alleged graft by President Edgar Lungu’s government.

The demonstration targeted the purchase of 42 firefighting trucks costing $1 million each — a deal that has fuelled criticism of government spending.

“This protest overall is about how public resources are being managed in the country,” organiser Laura Miti told reporters.

Miti and several other activists were later detained and taken away in a police van as riot police surrounded the entrance to parliament buildings.

President Lungu has been accused of a crackdown on dissent since winning elections last year.

Zambia’s main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was detained for four months before treason charges against him were dropped.