Zambian President Edgar Lungu said on Tuesday after being sworn in for a new five-year term that he would focus on unlocking agricultural potential in his tropical nation to reduce its dependence on copper mining.
Zambia’s Supreme Court on Monday rejected an application by the main opposition party to stop President Lungu’s inauguration after last month’s contested election.
Lungu said Zambians should put the divisive elections behind them and work as one to develop the country.
“Elections have the ability to bring out the most selfish aspects of our humanity. On my part I have learnt that there is no time and latitude to settle scores,” Reuters quoted Lungu as saying in his inaugural speech at the National Heroes Stadium.
“We must promote agriculture to become one of the main drivers of our diversification programme.”
Lungu’s inauguration after the August 11 election was postponed because opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema challenged the result in court, saying the vote was rigged.
A law introduced in January said the winner of a presidential vote cannot be sworn in if their victory is contested in court.
