FORMER SECRETARY TO CABINET WARNS ZAMBIA RISKS TANZANIA-LIKE UNREST IF CITIZENS’ VOICES ARE SUPPRESSED
By Lukundo Nankamba
Former Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Leslie Mbula, has cautioned that Zambia risks facing a situation similar to the current unrest in Tanzania if political leaders continue to suppress citizens’ voices and fail to engage in genuine consultations on contentious national issues.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Dr. Mbula has expressed sadness over the post-election protests in Tanzania, where opposition supporters have taken to the streets to condemn the polls, citing political favoritism, intimidation, and restrictions on free speech.
Dr. Mbula has stressed that the Tanzanian experience should serve as an important lesson for Zambian leaders as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections, emphasizing the importance of listening and responding to public grievances related to governance.
He has pointed to the ongoing constitutional amendment process, which has sparked widespread public debate and criticism, urging government to take citizens’ concerns seriously and address them constructively.
Dr. Mbula has further noted that Zambia’s continued peace and stability depend on the political leadership’s openness to dialogue and its commitment to protecting citizens’ right to free expression.
PHOENIX NEWS
I hope government takes heed to this timely warning. Civil unrest is to be avoided at all costs. There’s no need to lose life and damage property simply because someone somewhere chooses not to listen. Every concern raised is worth addressing. It does not help seeing everything through a political lens.
It is only the criminals who can perform such.
Stop inciting lawlessness.
“Munshebwa aile Namashinshi ku Mako”
” Amano Yaweka tayashinguluke Ikoshi”
” Mwikaala patalala, mwiine apatalalika”
Powerful idioms for the listening ear.
Nations are not built on Imingalato. They are built on Consultations and Consensus. That’s the meaning of Democracy.
The Tanzanian Dictator is now facing the wrath of the people. She thought there was no Opposition in Tanzania, and everyday she was locking up and abducting people.. Crushing any dissenting views. Ti Fyanta strategy!
The executive , Legislature , Judiciary in her handbag. The media and praise Zealots singing praises. What has happened today? The woman is on her way out after conducting a Sham Electoral Process and Election. Where is the 24/7 propaganda, Media Vuvuzelas and Praise Zealots to save her?
Indeed it’s a lesson to Other Dictators. The hour of reckoning comes eventually. Every Dictator has his or her day.
Citizens shouldn’t be treated like Imbeciles.
Let’s have a functional Multi Party Democratic System in Zambia.
Let the Democratic Space be allowed for Opposition parties to exist as an alternative voice. They are part of our governance system.
Let there be separation of powers of the arms of Government.
A functional Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
Let us all be equal under the Law, and not one law for Sacreds , the Untouchables, and another one for lesser mortals.
The it’s our time ideology, the rule of Sacreds by Sacreds and for Sacreds..
We can’t be having Stealthy Manoeuvres with Voter Registration and Constitutional Amendment.
Indeed Look at the Reflection of Tanzania’s Dictator, and tell me what you see.
Who the Cap Fits, Let them Wear it.
Mr Mbula Sir. Do you have a proper understanding of the issues in Tanzania? Why do people always create fear mongering when they have not taken time to appreciate the dynamics in some of these countries and rush to conclude that it is a replica everywhere. And such statements for whatever motive just incite the iliterates who are easily manipulated by the loser politicians to cause unwarranted chaos. I would expect such experienced and respected mudalaz to play down such issues as they have no similarity whatsover with our Zambian context. Shame.
Each and every country has its own problems.
Let us not do comparison of ours to our neighbours.
That is inciting by its nature.stop the rubbish you saying.
Everything you hear from other countries you are already marrying Zambia to the rubbish ,This that in Malawi, eee what in burkinafaso today what Tanzania,are you normal or just that you don’t have brains? You can not come up with your own constructive stories?
If the statements made by the former Secretary to the Cabinet about Zambia facing potential unrest are true, it is quite disappointing to hear such remarks from a respected and retired government official.
Firstly, the opposition is free to hold meetings now, unlike during the PF era when they needed special permission from the police. Even Members of Parliament were required to inform the police when they were in their constituencies. Have we already forgotten this?
We must refrain from inciting unrest, as the consequences affect everyone when the country experiences turmoil. Just in a single day, consider the number of people who have been affected, injured, or stranded. Think about the businesses that have endured significant losses.
Fellow Zambians, let us be cautious about what we wish for.
What type of a Dr are we looking at? Learned people should engage in constructive issues and not issuing statements that are completely misleading.Where does Zambia come in here? What’s happening in Tanzania is very unique and unprecedented. I maintain that some of our people have completely lost it and there’s no substance in their political discourse. Better keep quiet if you can’t add any value Dr.
Ba Mbula, mu pf you never uttered a word against pf’s ruthlessness because you were eating together. Retire from politics nobody needs your counsel. You’re a disgrace for sure. How can a man of your standing, be inciting people to rise against government? Your comparisons are flawed. Tanzania is not Zambia. The opposition members in jail are thieves who have stolen public money. You should know better. Just retire in peace, than trying to come back, just to cause problems to mother Zambia.