GEORGE N. MTONGA, ECONOMIST AND LONGTIME SUPPORTER, DUMPS UPND
The FOX Newspaper
Lusaka — In a deeply emotional and pointed statement issued today, respected Zambian economist and diaspora voice George N. Mtonga announced his resignation from the United Party for National Development (UPND), a political home he has served and defended for over a decade.
“Today, I announce my decision to resign from the United Party for National Development (UPND), a party I have faithfully supported for over a decade.”
With those words, Mtonga opened what can only be described as a sorrowful farewell — not just to a political party, but to a vision he once championed with unwavering passion.
Mtonga’s resignation strikes at the soul of the UPND’s founding identity. Having joined in 2015, at a time when the party was the face of hope for many Zambians, Mtonga became one of its most vocal advocates — especially from the diaspora, where he used his platform to shape public opinion and push for reforms.
“We fought together for a Zambia that could embrace true democracy and reject oppression… I remained loyal, believing that we were moving toward a freer and fairer nation.”
His heartbreak centers on the recently enacted Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2025, which he condemns as draconian and a betrayal of UPND’s core values. According to Mtonga, the law muzzles freedom of speech, empowers authoritarian tendencies, and reflects a government that is slowly becoming the very force it once opposed.
“This law represents a fundamental betrayal of the ideals that first drew me to UPND… my conscience will not allow me to remain part of a party that has chosen to forsake the principles of freedom and openness.”
Mtonga’s departure is not quiet. It is a cry of alarm — a clarion call warning of a political shift that many have feared but few from within have dared to voice so boldly.
“Dissent, I believe, is a patriotic act. Democracy cannot survive when fear replaces free thought.”
“Leaving UPND is not an act of bitterness; it is an act of fidelity to the values that matter most to me — freedom, human dignity, and political accountability.”
George N. Mtonga is a Zambian economist and a vocal figure in political discourse both locally and within the diaspora. He has been a staunch advocate for human rights, transparency, and economic reform. For years, he stood as one of the most articulate defenders of the UPND vision, often addressing key national issues, including the economy, press freedom, and youth empowerment.
Ati respected Zambian Economist….what has this guy Mtonga achieved for Zambia to be respected..? He can fuck off all he wants. Stupid person. He’s hiding in diaspora ati…respected wow..imwe ba journalists be serious for once and do not mislead or misinform the Zambian public.
Who really cares about this guy..? Like seriously who..?
Ba Mtonga you can resign so what?
What Will happen to Zambia..Nothing!
Which country has no Cyber Security Laws? Even where you are to day insult the President using the media and see if you are not going to be deported back to Zambia.
The Laws mean well they regulate sanity in a country not uku bwata bwata like a lawless community. Someone appears on Facebook insulting the President (big insults) and you call that freedom of expression! You clap for him. Not at all!
Or someone hacks into your account and attacks your privacy do you look at that as normal. No! The laws should protect you.
Does it happen where you are there in Germany or kaya kuti kwamene mulili? No!
Why did African States meet in Malabo to perfect the same Cyber Security Laws if they were as bad as you express them?
Come back to your senses sir. You have lost it somehow .
The law is a good one. We want sanity, Safety and tranquility!
If you are a malicious propagandist and hell bent on disturbing national peace then it is meant for you.