CHITIMUKULU SLAMS YOUTHS INSULTING HIM OVER POLITICAL NEUTRALITY
…Mwine Lubemba warns young people against social media disrespect
By DAVID KANDUZA
MWINE Lubemba Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II has strongly condemned a section of youths from the Bemba Kingdom who have taken to social media to insult him over his refusal to engage in partisan political battles.
Speaking today, September 16, 2026, in Kasama, the traditional leader defended his neutral posture, emphasising that his position required handling critical national matters with high-level diplomacy rather than the aggressive approach demanded by critics.
The Paramount Chief expressed deep disappointment with the growing trend of digital disrespect from young people within his own chiefdom.
He stated that his deliberate choice to stay above political fights should not be mistaken for a lack of concern or inaction.
“There are some young people from my Kingdom who go on social media to insult me because I have chosen not to involve myself in political fights,” Chief Chitimukulu said.
“I am an elderly person and I deserve respect. I am a person who handles national matters with diplomacy and not the way some of you think I should handle them.”
The traditional leader’s remarks highlight an ongoing tension between traditional governance and modern, social-media-driven political activism.
While some political activists frequently pressure influential traditional rulers to openly take sides on governance and socio-economic issues, the Paramount Chief reiterated that his role dictates a more measured, statesmanlike approach.
He reminded the youth of the cultural importance of respecting elders and traditional institutions, warning that using cyberspace to attack the throne undermines the cultural fabric of the Kingdom.
Chief Chitimukulu’s address served as a stern reminder to his subjects that the palace would not bow to online intimidation or emotional blackmail.
By choosing diplomacy over confrontation, the Mwine Lubemba emphasisedd that his primary duty remained safeguarding the unity and stability of his people, which cannot be achieved by participating in divisive political conflicts.