MESSY: THE LOOTING, MISRULE, AND MISERY UNDER HICHILEMA  -Fred M’membe

MESSY: THE LOOTING, MISRULE, AND MISERY UNDER HICHILEMA 

Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND are in a deep mess. As nothing seems to be working in this country anymore, especially state institutions and systems of governance.

As we have repeatedly said, a larger part of this mess starts from Mr Hichilema and the UPND government’s extreme corruption and looting of public resources, tribalism, abuse of state institutions, lack of constitutionalism and democracy, breakdown in the rule of law, and shrinking of the democratic space. In fact, according to Freedom House, Zambia’s political and civil rights are rated as partly free. The Afrobarometer research has found that almost six (6) in ten (10) Zambians (59%), say people “always” or “often” have to be careful about what they say about politics.   

Clearly, this is a government that is not only undemocratic and repressive but predominantly worships and believes in trafficking with and aiding foreign interests at the expense of its own citizens. Their cause has nothing to do with the suffering masses of this country but has everything to do with boosting foreign interests as well as the profits of Mr Hichilema’s friends and business associates. To them, the present pain and misery they have inflicted on our people is not a priority. It is still business as usual. The people are expected to embrace and become accustomed to this hardship without query. 

This explains why they were able to sell the national strategic maize reserves, and condemn the entire population to high mealie-meal prices, and starvation, export electricity and relegate the whole country into virtually total darkness, and hike the electricity tariffs to maximise on profit, whilst the country grapples with darkness, among many other unsound profit-oriented decisions. No doubt, this is a government filled with detached and self-indulgent individuals who only care about themselves and their business interests. This government has lost honour, credibility, and acceptability of the people. No wonder its public ratings are currently at an all-time low. 

For this reason, the 2026 general elections will be fought on national grievances. The very grievances Mr Hichilema and his league are contemptuously closing their eyes to, and pretending as though they are non-existent or are a mere fiction of the people’s imagination. But what Mr Hichilema and his corrupt league do not realise is that these grievances, particularly the existing and excruciating economic and social conditions resonate with the struggle, and the people’s desire for change, and these conditions are also painful enough to convince the masses that they have the most inconsiderate and kleptocratic leadership in history, and that time is ripe for real change.

Broadly, the people understand that despite their grievances being genuine, they are being ignored because they mean nothing to Mr Hichilema and his corruption riddled ruling elite. This is what makes the neglected citizens of this country, the biggest opposition Mr Hichilema currently faces. Our people are resolved to mobilise and unshackle themselves against Mr Hichilema’s corrupt and highly polarised and bitter tribal misrule.

It also goes without saying that Mr Hichilema’s unfulfilled promises, manipulation, lies, deceit and politics of abracadabra is what has run him into deeper problems with the people, and significantly contributed to his dwindling political fortunes. It is no longer in doubt that the poor masses of this country have lost trust and respect for Mr Hichilema, as he is now known as a storyteller, a liar.

And no amount of mischaracterisation, abuse, and tormenting of political opponents will alter that. Zambians now know Mr Hichilema for who he truly is, and take every word and promise from him as hocus-pocus – meaningless talk, calculated to trick them or conceal the truth of every situation facing them.

No matter what they do, kale basebana, pakubebela fye pabula! Such is the deep mess Mr Hichilema and the UPND find themselves, but they won’t see it.

Our people have suffered enough, but in due course, they shall triumph. 2026 yena aleya!

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party