STATEMENT ON THE CALL FOR A GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY.
Friends and fellow citizens,
As ZRP President and Tonse PF Pamozi Alliance Nation Mobilization Chairperson, I fully agree with Dr Chrisy Zimba’s call for a Government of National Unity in Zambia.
Following the just-concluded elections, it is clear that our country is divided and tense. Our people are becoming increasingly divided along tribal and regional lines.
Why a Government of National Unity is a must for Zambia right now:
1. National Healing:
The wounds of a hotly contested election will not heal with winners and losers. A Goverment of National Unity brings all stakeholders to one table to rebuild trust
2. Stability and Peace: Division threatens our peace. Including all voices in government reduces protests, hate speech, and the risk of civil unrest.
3. Focus on the Economy: Our biggest challenges are the cost of living, debt, youth unemployment, and load-shedding. A divided government cannot fix these. We need all minds and hands on deck.
4. End to Political Persecution:
The jailing of political opponents only deepens bitterness. Releasing political prisoners and giving opposition a seat at the table restores confidence in our democracy and rule of law.
5. Stronger Governance: No single party has a monopoly of ideas. Bringing technocrats and leaders from across the political divide into key ministries will improve service delivery in health, education, and agriculture.
6. International Confidence:
Investors and donors want to see a stable, united Zambia. A Government of National Unity signals to the world that Zambia is mature and ready for business and development partnerships.
7. National Unity Beyond Elections:
We must stop governing only our supporters. A Government of National Unity ensures that development projects and resources are distributed fairly across all 10 provinces, not just “strongholds”.
8. Safeguarding Multi-Party Democracy: Working together now will reduce post-election tensions and protect the integrity of future elections, while ensuring all political parties remain independent.
Let me be clear: This is not a call for a one-party state.
Zambia is and must remain a multi-party democracy. A Government of National Unity means opposition parties keep their independence, their voice, and their role to hold government accountable. It is about cooperation for national interest, not the death of opposition.
Friends and fellow citizens
No one will solve our problems except ourselves. It is time we put aside tribal, political, and regional differences and address our challenges as one nation. The starting point must be forgiveness, reconciliation, and a genuine spirit of give and take. After all, we are all Zambians — _tuli bantu bamo
My Proposal:
I therefore call on the President to begin by releasing all political prisoners and inviting members of the opposition to serve in certain government portfolios and positions on merit and as representatives of their parties. In return, the opposition should withdraw the petition challenging the presidential election results and commit to working for Zambia.
I believe this will bring about quick national healing and allow President Hakainde Hichilema to focus on developing Zambia in the years ahead.
I make this call not out of fear or compromise, but out of love for our Mother Zambia and for our colleagues who are languishing in prisons across the country.
God bless Mother Zambia!
Wright Musoma
ZRP President
Tonse PF Pamozi Alliance Nation Mobilization Chairperson.