LUSAKA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Friday directed his justice minister to invite the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct investigations on allegations by opposition that his office has created a militia to maim political opponents.

On Monday, an alliance of opposition political parties claimed that the militia is being funded by Lungu.

They also claimed that Lungu and two of his aides as well as the foreign affairs minister and the inspector of the police will be reported to the ICC for being at the center of political violence.

This follows unprecedented levels of violence witnessed in a parliamentary by-election held recently in western Zambia's Sesheke district.

Presidential spokesperson Amos Chanda denied the allegations that Lungu was funding any militia to maim opponents, adding that the allegations were false and baseless.

He told reporters during a press briefing that the government has decided to officially invite the ICC and international human rights bodies to come and conduct investigations on the allegations.

He said the president was committed to peaceful campaigns during elections and that he has already come out in the open commanding the police not to entertain any form of violence. Enditem

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