SINCERE NATIONAL DIALOGUE URGENTLY NEEDED, THINGS GETTING WORSE – M’MEMBE

Lusaka, Thursday (April 18, 2024)
MEDIA STATEMENT

Socialist Party -SP- President Fred M’membe says there is need for a genuine national dialogue because things are worsening in Zambia.

Dr. M’membe said Zambia is currently struggling with difficulties; ranging from the economy, politics and social issues.

He said there is an intensifying crisis of governance, rule of law, democracy and social cohesion in Zambia under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND.

The Opposition Leader said the Country has witnessed a sharp rise in repression, ethnic bigotry, grand corruption, tribalism and many other vices which have left a dark spot on the unity, patriotism, and democracy of Zambia.

“The truth is, things are no longer the same anymore. This country is deeply divided. It is in unfathomable problems. Political competitors, private citizens, and other critical voices are degraded and brutalized through unseen repression, and hardship without any tolerance and restraint. It is no longer a secret that Mr Hichilema has set this country on a risky path of destruction. The thoughtless manner in which this administration has been circumventing the law and abusing state institutions is a clear testimony of the illegitimate intentions of this administration. Mr. Hichilema and the UPND have literally incapacitated the rule of law and constitutional order in the country, and are going about their daily business with impunity, without oversight or regard for the ethical, cultural, political and economic consequences of their actions. They have been unashamed with their systematic destruction of state institutions with the single resolve of reigning with fear and terror. But what is the end game? For how long will they be on this path before the citizens push back? What type of country do they think will be built and developed on the back of repression, tribalism, corruption, and so on and so forth? Mr. Hichilma needs to know that a leadership that reigns with force, fear, and terror, and is devoid of consent and understanding of the citizens, ends up in grief. This country has come a long way to come and self-destruct in such a manner,” he said.

Dr. M’membe said there is need for stakeholders such as the church, political parties, civil society, traditional leaders, among many others – to find a clear path that can strengthen and repair relationships, nurture a deep sense of political and cultural or ethnic harmony as well as achieve consensus on critical economic, governance, development and democracy problems.

“We need a sincere National Dialogue on Values, Governance, and Constitutionalism, Human Rights, Reconciliation, the Economy, Social Cohesion, and many more. We need to begin to find collective solutions to these problems. Things are not going well. Let us avert any future and worse crises now,” he said.

The SP President said there is a need to build social cohesion and trust before the 2026 general elections.

This is contained in a statement issued by SP Director Media Brian Hapunda.