Open Letter: A Call for Unity Among Zambia’s Opposition Parties
To All Opposition Leaders, Party Members, and Concerned Citizens of Zambia,
Subject: A United Front: The Key to Liberating Zambia from a Ruthless Government
Dear Fellow Zambians,
I write to you not as a member of any political party but as a patriotic Zambian who loves this nation deeply. Zambia is my home, your home, and the home of generations yet to come. Our land, once a shining beacon of peace, democracy, and unity in Africa, is under siege. Today, these cherished values are at risk as we witness the erosion of democratic principles, the suppression of dissent, and the rise of authoritarian governance under the UPND administration.
This is not the Zambia our forefathers envisioned when they fought for independence. It is not the Zambia so many sacrificed to build. And it is not the Zambia we, as patriots, must accept.
The call for a united opposition is not just a political necessity—it is a matter of national survival. The only way to confront the creeping authoritarianism of this government and restore the democracy our people deserve is by building a strong, unified front.
A Dire Threat to Our Democracy
The current government has shown a ruthless determination to tighten its grip on power, using every tool at its disposal to crush dissent, weaken opposition parties, and manipulate public opinion. These actions are not the hallmarks of a democratic administration but of a regime that fears the will of its people.
Under the UPND, state security forces have been used as instruments of intimidation and suppression. Independent media outlets are under siege, civil society is silenced, and opposition leaders are vilified or targeted. The judiciary and other state institutions, meant to uphold justice and fairness, have been weaponized to serve partisan interests.
Fellow citizens, this is not the Zambia we deserve. This government fears accountability because it knows its actions cannot withstand scrutiny. But as history shows, no government can suppress the voice of the people forever. Divided, we remain vulnerable. United, we become a formidable force that no regime can ignore.
The High Price of Division
If Zambia’s opposition remains fragmented, the consequences will be catastrophic—not only for political parties but for every Zambian who dreams of a better future. Disunity allows the government to dominate unchecked, enriching the few while the majority suffer under poverty, unemployment, and economic mismanagement.
Disunity among opposition parties confuses voters, diminishes morale, and leaves ordinary Zambians feeling abandoned. Worse still, it emboldens those in power, who thrive on the chaos and discord within their challengers’ ranks.
As a patriotic Zambian, I call on opposition leaders to see the bigger picture. This is not the time for petty rivalries or personal ambitions. This is about Zambia—our Zambia—and the future of our children. The cost of disunity is too high, and history will not forgive us if we fail to act.
Lessons from Zambia’s Past
Zambia has faced monumental challenges before and has overcome them through unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to justice. In the 1990s, Zambians stood together to dismantle the one-party state. Opposition leaders from diverse backgrounds and ideologies set aside their differences and formed the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD).
That coalition succeeded because its leaders placed the interests of the nation above their personal agendas. Together, they confronted an entrenched regime and restored democracy to Zambia.
Today, we face an equally daunting challenge. The stakes are higher, and the consequences of failure are graver. We must learn from the past and recognize that unity is not optional—it is the only way forward. Divided, we fall. United, we prevail.
The Path to Unity
Unity is not a slogan; it is a strategy that requires courage, compromise, and a shared vision. Here is how we can achieve it:
1. Develop a Common Vision: Opposition parties must come together around a shared agenda that addresses the most pressing issues facing Zambians—economic hardship, rising unemployment, corruption, and the erosion of freedoms. This vision must reflect the hopes and aspirations of ordinary citizens.
2. Create an Inclusive Leadership Structure: A united opposition must ensure that every party has a seat at the table. Leadership roles must be distributed equitably to foster trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.
3. Engage Citizens Actively: The strength of a united opposition lies in the people. Opposition leaders must actively involve Zambians in shaping their agenda, listening to their concerns, and ensuring their voices guide decision-making.
4. Collaborate with Civil Society and the Media: Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and independent media are vital allies in the fight for democracy. By working together, we can amplify our message and build a broad coalition for change.
5. Adopt a Code of Conduct: Unity requires discipline. Opposition leaders must agree on a code of conduct that prioritizes the collective good over personal ambition. Internal disputes must be resolved privately and constructively—not in public or through the media.
A Message of Hope and Determination
To my fellow Zambians: we are a resilient people, capable of overcoming even the most daunting challenges. We have done it before, and we can do it again. But this time, it will require all of us—political leaders, civil society, the media, and ordinary citizens—to rise to the occasion.
The Zambian people are tired of corruption, mismanagement, and broken promises. They are looking for leadership that prioritizes their needs over personal gain. They want a vision for a better future, one that restores their faith in democracy and their hope for a brighter tomorrow.
A united opposition sends a clear and powerful message: that we, as Zambians, are capable of putting aside our differences to fight for what truly matters—our democracy, our freedoms, and our future. Unity is not a sign of weakness; it is a demonstration of patriotism, strength, and leadership.
A Call to Action
To every opposition leader: this is your defining moment. History will not judge you by the challenges you faced but by how you responded. Will you rise to the occasion and stand together for the sake of Zambia? Or will you allow division to pave the way for continued oppression and suffering?
To every Zambian citizen: demand unity from your leaders. Remind them that their duty is not to their parties or ambitions but to the people of Zambia. Hold them accountable and let them know that the time for ego and infighting is over.
To civil society, activists, and the media: your role is critical. Speak truth to power. Expose injustice. Amplify the voices of the oppressed and ensure that the fight for democracy does not go unnoticed.
The time to act is now. Zambia deserves better. Together, we can build a future where democracy thrives, justice prevails, and every citizen has the opportunity to prosper.
Yours in the fight for democracy and a better Zambia,
Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
A Proud and Patriotic Zambian