Police block Zambia's opposition leader's entourage

Zambia's opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has said police have blocked him from accessing Mbala and Mpulungu towns in the north.

He tweeted photos of the late night incident saying he would not leave and was willing to spend the night in his car before proceeding to the towns.

Mr Hichilema who is challenging President Edgar Lungu in next week's election said he was asked to produce a permit and wasn't told which exact permit was required.

The candidates in the upcoming polls were directed to hold door-to-door campaigns and not the usual rallies because of coronavirus.

Large crowds have however been spotted in towns where both the opposition and ruling party candidates have visited.

Mr Hichilema, who has unsuccessfully contested for presidency five times, said the government had been using security forces to intimidate opposition supporters.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Hakainde Hichilema’s Twitter