LUAPULA CHIEFS DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM TRIBAL REMARKS, URGE NATIONAL UNITY
By Misheck Nyirongo
The Luapula Province Chiefs Council and Abaushi Royal Highnesses have distanced themselves from tribal remarks attributed to Prince Kasongo Chimese Shapi, saying he was speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the traditional leadership.
In a statement dated July 11, 2026, Chairperson of the Luapula Province Chiefs Council, HRH Dr. Chief Chisunka, said the Council rejects any attempt to associate Prince Shapi’s comments with the Abaushi Royal Highnesses.
Chief Chisunka emphasized that traditional leaders remain non-partisan and serve all Zambians regardless of tribe, political affiliation, or regional background.
“As Royal Highnesses, we are non-partisan because every person living in our chiefdoms and Zambia at large is our people. Our clans are the same regardless of tribal boundaries, and our children and grandchildren live in every part of Zambia through work, marriage, and by choice,” the statement read
The Chiefs Council warned politicians and individuals against exploiting tribal sentiments for political gain, saying tribalism has the potential to divide the country and undermine national unit
Chief Chisunka stressed that Zambia’s presidency does not belong to any particular tribe or region but should be open to any citizen with the character and ability to serve.
“The presidency of Zambia is not the inheritance of any region or tribe—it belongs to any Zambian with the capacity and character to serve. We must reject tribal gatekeeping, hold everyone accountable without sacred cows, and protect this nation from division,” he said.
The statement further called for consistent condemnation of tribal remarks, regardless of who makes them, warning that selective criticism only fuels mistrust among citizens.
Chief Chisunka also referenced previous controversial tribal statements made by other public figures, saying it was equally important to speak out against all forms of tribalism without bias.
The Luapula Province Chiefs Council concluded by urging Zambians to embrace political diversity while safeguarding national unity, reminding citizens that the country’s strength lies in its shared identity as one people.
