from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) -TRIBAL rhetoric is poisoning Zambia’s political landscape ahead of elections in less than a year.
This is contrary to the “One Zambia. One Nation” motto that has guided the country since independence in 1964.
Tribal slurs mark the increasingly toxic relations between the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and the main opposition Patriotic Front (PF), as well as the Tonse Alliance that plans to challenge next year’s elections as a coalition.
Mumbi Phiri, former PF Deputy Secretary General, has recently been quoted suggesting that the opposition should field a northerner or easterner to win the 2026 general elections.
Obvious Mwaliteta, UPND Lusaka Province Chairperson, described the comments as retrogressive and contrary to the spirit of national unity.
“The era of divisive and hate-driven politics is long gone. Zambians have moved past tribal politics and embraced national unity,” he said.
Mwaliteta was addressing a press briefing.
Phiri in response said she was “misunderstood” but was only referring to regional voting patterns.
Mwaliteta also accused PF of corruption, violence, and hooliganism during its time in power, which the UPND ended in 2021.
Mwaliteta also took a swipe at Fr Ngosa Mwansa, a Zambian priest based in the United States, accusing him of promoting tribal hatred.
“Zambians rejected tribalism when they voted the PF out of power. That was a clear message that our citizens want unity and inclusive governance,” Mwaliteta added.
PF has previously accused President Hakainde Hichilema, a Tonga, of making appointments based on tribe.
The smaller opposition New Heritage Party, condemned both parties.
Chisala Kateka, party president, called for tighter legislation.
“The New Heritage Party has been very consistent and uncompromising on the question of sectarianism in the country,” she said.
The Southern African country is an ethnically diverse country, with the Bemba being the largest of its many ethnic groups, estimated at over 30 percent of the population.
– CAJ News