By: Josia Shigwedha

Opposition political parties, the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) have spoken out against the government sending over 140 delegates to participate in the ongoing 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) on Climate Change in Dubai. The political parties say the government should have considered downsizing the number of attendees to the summit, which include relatives of the first family. 

The COP28 summit is held every year and hosts world leaders to discuss ways to address the pressing challenges of climate change and work towards collective solutions.

According to LPM’s lead youth command, Duminga Ndala, the country cannot afford to spend funds on a trip for a large delegation, considering the current economic challenges.

“It is important that as a country we only send key individuals that will be representing us because we are wasting government resources and our country is already in negative economic turmoil, so we cannot afford to waste resources paying S&T and financing the political elite’s luxury lives. 

I think that is uncalled for. It should be condemned in its highest regard,” stated Ndala.  Going forward, Ndala encouraged the youth to raise these issues because these funds can finance a lot of areas such as high unemployment.

Meanwhile, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Secretary General, Manuel Ngaringombe, added that the government should be more transparent and share information on those attending international trips and their roles. 

In a press statement issued by Press Secretary, Alfredo Hengari, stated that the expenses of the children of the First Family was paid for by the First Couple. Hengari added that the presidency encourages opposition parties in parliament to focus on substantive policy matters and celebrate the country’s winning instead of being mean-spirited when they are not part of the official mission aboard.

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