DISPELLING DRUNK ILLUSIONS & REJECTING LUNGU’S RETURN
BY CATHARINE MULAISHO
Responding to Christopher Zumani Zimba’s assertions regarding the supposed messianic status of Edgar Lungu and the necessity of his return to power, it is imperative to provide a counter-narrative rooted in reality, accountability, and a commitment to the well-being of the Zambian people.
- Misguided Comparisons:
Zumani’s comparison of Lungu to figures like Nelson Mandela and Donald Trump is flawed. Lungu’s tenure was marred by corruption and authoritarianism, hardly comparable to the legacies of true leaders. - Failure of Leadership:
Lungu’s time in office was characterized by a failure to address systemic issues such as corruption and economic mismanagement. His return to power would only perpetuate this cycle of incompetence and self-interest. - Betrayal of Trust:
Allowing Lungu to return to power would be a betrayal of the trust placed in the political leadership of Zambia. It is essential to prioritize the interests of the nation over the personal ambitions of individuals. - Accountability and Transparency:
Lungu’s fight for a return to power is motivated by self-interest and a desire to protect his ill-gotten gains. Zambia cannot afford to be governed by leaders who prioritize personal enrichment over the well-being of the nation. - Internal Strife within PF:
Before considering Lungu’s return, members of the PF must address the internal divisions and dysfunction within the party. Lungu’s leadership style has only exacerbated these issues, making him unfit to lead. - Need for Change:
Zambia deserves leaders who are committed to genuine progress and development, not individuals who seek to maintain the status quo for their own benefit. Lungu’s return would only hinder the country’s ability to move forward. - Rejecting Corruption and Selfishness:
Lungu’s tenure was marked by allegations of corruption and cronyism. Allowing him to return to power would send a message that corruption is acceptable, undermining efforts to combat this pervasive issue. - Looking Forward:
It is time for Zambia to turn the page on the era of Lungu and embrace a new vision for the future. This requires leaders who are honest, transparent, and committed to serving the interests of all Zambians, not just a select few. - Prioritizing the People:
Zambia’s leaders must prioritize the needs of the people above their own ambitions. Lungu’s return would only serve to further entrench the interests of the political elite at the expense of the wider population. - Building a Better Future:
Zambia deserves leaders who are committed to building a brighter future for all citizens. Lungu’s track record demonstrates that he is not the right person to lead the country forward. - Distorted Historical Analogies:
Comparing Lungu to figures like Lula de Silva and Nelson Mandela ignores the stark differences in their legacies and leadership styles. Lungu’s tenure was marked by democratic backsliding and human rights abuses, making him unfit for comparison to true statesmen. - Flawed Logic:
The assertion that Lungu is the only viable candidate for 2026 overlooks the potential for new, visionary leadership to emerge within the political landscape of Zambia. Democracy thrives on competition and diversity of ideas, not the perpetuation of entrenched power structures. - Misguided Loyalty:
Blind allegiance to Lungu within PF and UKA overlooks the fundamental principles of democracy and accountability. Leaders must earn the trust and support of the people through their actions, not through coercion or manipulation. - Unfounded Comparisons:
Equating Lungu to iconic figures like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu overlooks the complexities of their respective political contexts. Lungu’s tenure was marked by allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses, tarnishing his reputation both domestically and internationally. - Disingenuous Representation:
Portraying Lungu as the epitome of political hope and freedom is disingenuous and ignores the realities of his time in office. His administration was characterized by a crackdown on dissent and erosion of democratic institutions, hardly the hallmarks of a freedom fighter. - Reality Check:
Lungu’s political stature is not comparable to leaders like Nelson Mandela or Donald Trump, as his tenure was marred by corruption scandals and economic mismanagement. Elevating him to the status of a political icon undermines the credibility of Zambia’s democratic process. - Assumption of Superiority:
Dismissing other potential candidates in favor of Lungu reflects a dangerous sense of entitlement and disregard for the democratic rights of the Zambian people. Leaders should be chosen based on merit and their ability to serve the interests of the nation, not on arbitrary notions of political stature. - Need for Accountability:
Holding Lungu accountable for his actions and decisions during his time in office is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for the Zambian people. Allowing him to evade accountability sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of Zambia’s democratic institutions. - Erosion of Trust:
Lungu’s failure to address allegations of corruption and human rights abuses during his tenure eroded public trust in his government and political leadership. Allowing him to return to power without being held accountable for these failures would only further erode trust in Zambia’s democratic process. - Dangerous Precedent:
Allowing Lungu to return to power without addressing the underlying issues that led to his downfall sets a dangerous precedent for Zambia’s democracy. It sends a message that leaders can act with impunity and escape accountability for their actions. - Upholding Democratic Values:
Zambia must uphold the principles of democracy and rule of law by holding its leaders accountable for their actions. Allowing Lungu to return to power without facing consequences for his failures undermines the credibility of Zambia’s democratic institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for the future. - Protecting Zambia’s Future:
Lungu’s return to power would only serve to perpetuate the cycle of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued Zambia for far too long. It is essential to prioritize the interests of the Zambian people over the ambitions of individual politicians. - Building a Better Tomorrow:
Zambia deserves leaders who are committed to building a brighter future for all citizens, not just a select few. Lungu’s return to power would only hinder progress and perpetuate the status quo of corruption and self-interest. - Rejecting Self-Serving Agendas:
Lungu’s fight for a return to power is motivated by self-interest and a desire to protect his own interests, not the interests of the Zambian people. It is essential to reject self-serving agendas and prioritize the common good in order to build a more prosperous and equitable Zambia. - Choosing a Path Forward:
Zambia stands at a crossroads, and it is essential to choose a path forward that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and the well-being of all citizens.
Lungu’s return to power would only lead to further division and instability, undermining the progress that Zambia has made towards building a more democratic and prosperous future.
In summary, the narrative presented by Zumani must be challenged and rejected in favor of a vision for Zambia that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and the well-being of all citizens.
Lungu’s return to power would only serve to perpetuate the cycle of corruption and mismanagement that has held Zambia back for far too long. It is time to choose a new path forward that embraces democratization values and puts the interests of the Zambian people first.
Well stated madame no one could have pointed out facts like you have.
My dear all these things you have taken your entire day to write about are happening in Hichilema’s Upnd, some of them even worse. Corruption is there, very big corruption! What makes Hichilema’s rule even more evil is the vengeance part! Ati “now we are in charge of government, they will see . . . . “! And worse still in Hichilema’s government is notion of having nothing to do with Bembas and Bemba speaking group , and Easterners. Tribalism, nepotism, regionalism are worse under Hichilema’s rule! This has created a lot of hatred and animosity among Zambians! That’s why he’s being labelled as a big liar because in his inaugural speech he said, ” . . . . the Upnd government has come to heal the divisions that the PF government has created . . . . “! Alas behind closed doors Hichilema and members (mostly from Zambezi districts) were saying “it’s now our turn to rule, they will see . . . “! Purely full vengeance as main objective of taking over government. So what is this Mulaisho telling us! We are not kids! We have eyes to see what they are doing and ears to hear even what the Upnd are whispering behind closed doors.
Iwe ka Mandanda , it’s OK if you were on the payroll from kasaka kandalama.
What things are worse than before? Just enjoy Jameson with your chakolwa and stop nauseating us with your perceived tribalism. Healing of divisions that were created by pf over 11 years can not be undone in two years time. That why those of us who voted for UPND will judge HH after 5 year. You bitter, hateful ,corrupt, and inpatient lot can continue barking.
Today is second day of April 2024.Ten years from now you will still be exhibiting hatred for President Hakainde Hichilema but the country will be on a different level.
Reading between lines, it can be seen that all you have said is of your own making which has existed in your minds time in memorial.
If I did not leave amongst these people coming from far flung areas I would have agreed with you.
No things are not as preached cos, I can tell you that all this hate with one tribe has been created by politicians.
I am counting 204 years since I relocated to this place and am even a headman of the people I leave with, voted by the locals.
Bwana mandanda, we are many in my situation not only me.
Muletala mwaendako to know people better. Not ndwii in one area and come up with stories.
I submit.
Trying to sell Lungu to the Zambian public is like trying to sell a rotten vegetable that has expired and now stinks or has gone beyond it’s natural shelf life. No one will buy. Only a dog vomits and returns to eat it’s own vomitus.
There is a cache of money somewhere that is prompting Lungu’s return. Those who are being paid to sell the unsaleable must be told that their efforts will not bear viable fruit, only expired, smelling, useless results.
If you look at those advocating for the return of the former president, Mr. Lungu, you will notice that it is the same “Kandiles” who duped him that he was the most formidable candidate in 2021. The likes of Nakachinda, Mwamba, Zumani, Luo, Lubinda, et al. They want to bounce back into power so that they can carry on from where they left off in plundering the nation.
Mr. Lungu’s legacy is one of shredding the constitution. He allowed his ministers to continue in office after dissolution of Parliament in 2016 against the advice of the then Attorney General, Mr. Kalaluka.
He refused to hand over power to the speaker of the national assembly when his election was challenged.
To cap it all, he has refused to publicly declare his assets and liabilities so that we can ascertain how much he amassed during his presidency. Unfortunately, even the incumbent has followed suit.
Mr. Lungu is the true representation of hypocrisy, lies and lawlessness. Giving him a second chance would be endorsing these evils.