A KBN TV EDITORIAL – 2026, A NEAR MISSED OPPORTUNITY, THE COST OF INDECISION, EXPERIMENTS AND SELF-SERVING INTERESTS – THE CASE OF ZAMBIAN OPPOSITION

Opposition political parties have up to April or at most June this year to settle on a single candidate they will consider as their silver bullet to deliver next year’s electoral victory.

Failure to unite and rally behind a single candidate, the opposition, in their numbers, can kiss their chances in 2026 goodbye and start waiting for 2031 elections.

With only a few months to the next round of elections, there is no more luxury of time for the opposition to remain fragmented and weak!

Opposition leaders should be radical and take matters into their own hands and do what the former head of state should have done.They need to set aside personal and partisan interests, anoint one among themselves in readiness for next year’s elections.

As we write, we keep the former head of state in our prayers and wish him God’s healing power and protection as he seeks medical attention outside the country. This nation still needs him strong and sound.

It is our estimation that if the opposition does not unite, the only thing the ruling party must do as a sustained strategy, is continue weakening the opposition by squeezing them financially, locking them up, ensure there is no traction of unity among Tonse, UKA, Zambia We Want and other parties like SP, EFF and others.

So far, empirical evidence suggests that there is a very serious and well-thought-out plot to wipe out the PF from the political scene as one of the largest opposition parties.

However, even though known characters were and are still being sponsored by invisible hands, PF structures have solidly remained intact much to the displeasure of certain quarters.

In the midst of a fierce political tussle, the PF unfortunately, has played in the hands of its opponent and has sadly lacked the requisite leadership traits to harness and reward this incredible display of resilience and membership loyalty across the country.

THE ECL FACTOR IN OPPOSITION

Ideally, the majority of the PF structures, the opposition in general, the Church and civil society, did not expect ECL to assume the role of main player and centre of attraction towards 2026. Many stakeholders had expected him to assume the role of a midwife to deliver an organized, united and vibrant opposition. That was not to happen.

Instead, ECL advisors devised a strategy attempting to unite the opposition around himself as the main protagonist, an assignment they lamentably failed to achieve. (On Monday, 3rd February, read our next Editorial on Internal Factors that Led to the Factions and Political Downfall of PF).

In the process of attempting to prop himself back into the ring, ECL let down some of his senior loyalists who stood by him hoping he would anoint one of them. ECL was misled by a few close allies who wanted to front him to safeguard and secure personal political interests.

They chanted UKA is ECL and ECL is UKA. Later, they changed, Tonse is ECL and ECL is Tonse…..No Tonse without ECL, they said.

What they failed to realise and accept was the fact that whether he was eligible or not, ECL’s time was gone and they needed to help him metamorphosize into a father figure and a states man whom even the current President could consult.

Secondly, a closely knit inner circle of ECL has lived in denial that while PF had and still does stand a chance to bounce back into power, it can only do so through a neutral, likeable, sellable and unifying figure acceptable by different stakeholder categories.

By backing such a candidate, PF can secure their political interests and be guaranteed of next year’s victory. This is the reality they still grapple with and fail to fathom.

Insisting and making Tonse Alliance partners sign off that an opposition Presidential candidate can only come from the PF and not anywhere else, is a flagrant display of not only the lack of appreciation of the fast-changing political dynamics, but also, a self-defeating and highly egocentric position that will see the party’s top leadership losing grip on all party structures and functionaries.

They will see possibilities and political fortunes sliding out of their own hands while they watch helplessly because other factors are now at play.

There is no PF party to protect any more, the only residual capital are members loyal to ECL. Among these members, several of them have future political aspirations and are now critically beginning to consider which viable political outfit they can be part of so that they can either contest or recontest both Parliamentary and Councilor positions.

When they move, they will convince a particular sizable constituency to move with them, such motions happening at multiple fronts across the country will leave the top leadership sidelined and deserted.

To validate the thought above, one must realise that even before the controversial ConCourt ruling that barred ECL from standing, there was already a silent revolt within PF. The revolt may not have been displayed publicly, but the rumblings and disquiet has been very obvious to every insider.

Today, the Raphael Nakachinda leadership as Chief Executive Officer of the party, has lost control of majority PF Members of Parliament. They are not with the leadership and those who careless, have displayed their blatant disdain by siding with the ruling party and campaigning for UPND candidates during by-elections.

Further, very few MPs make financial contributions to the party as required and to date, PF Secretariat staff have gone months without being paid. This is a fact!

Similarly, in a display of self-defeating master strokes that led nowhere, ECL advisors led him on a wrong path of pretending to be consulting with the Church, Civil Society, selected Embassies, and political party leaders while fomenting and sponsoring other political formations that are highly potent with the venom to kill opposition unity.

They told him, the ECL brand was stronger than any political party. What we saw was experiments with UKA, Tonse, People’s Pact and these disastrous experiments have continued with new names now such as Richard Musukwa being floated to be crowned as Tonse Alliance President with Mporokoso Member of Parliament, Brian Mundudile, as his Vice.

The proposal to consider Mundubile is a mere appeasement to the constituency of current MPs where he commands respect and following. Mundubile doesn’t have the support of the top faction leadership.

In the end, even well-meaning political players who have stood ready to forge a strong and viable partnership with the larger PF faction have equally felt let down by endless machinations of wanting to imitate what happened in Senegal with Bassirou Diomaye.

LEADERSHIP CRISIS

With the PF brand carcass in the hands of Miles and Chabinga, the true owners of the party have given up on any hopes of reclaiming the former ruling party. The leadership has demonstrated its resignation from pursuing this fight by attempting to experiment with UKA and later Tonse Alliance.

In Tonse, a very short-sighted decision was made to pick New Congress Party (NCP) as the only outfit through which PF and its allies would contest “all” current and future elections. It had to take only one by-election in Kawambwa for everyone to realise that choosing a single political outfit from a pool of alliance partners was in fact tantamount to promoting that one party at the expense of all others. It was another blunder, they needed to vacate it!

The fact that Tonse has entered the Pambashe by-election on FDD ticket, a party that recently joined the alliance, shows shifting of goal posts and a fundamental departure from the earlier announcement of using the NCP ticket. To save face, they have kept NCP in Petauke by-election.

Additionally, the recent rumours of bickering between two senior Tonse Alliance members regarding the use or misuse of funds during the Kawambwa by-elections, shows a weak foundation built on mistrust. If there is any truth to such infighting over money within Tonse Alliance, it could signal bigger problems that may as well spell the beginning of the end.

Even more worrying is the news that while the substantive Tonse Alliance leader is sick and seeking medical attention outside the country, senior members whose full identities we know, are now pushing the vulnerable ECL to announce Richard Musukwa as Alliance President.

The question that begs an answer is that shouldn’t these people be more concerned to ensure their leader receives the much-needed medical attention with a peace of mind instead of shoving names down his throat on his sick bed?

What is the family saying about all this, are they even aware of such machinations? Where were they when ECL was still strong, why didn’t they see the need to impress on him to name his successor? Did they have to wait until he is out seeking medical attention for them to start making frantic efforts about Musukwa or any other person?

It’s very clear that the Tonse Alliance may be facing leadership and later on a unity crisis that’s being tightly managed.

The bigger conversation is what should happen to the hardworking, loyal, patient and resilient PF members across the structures.

THE FUTURE OF PF STRUCTURES

The fact that many loyal PF members have resisted joining the ruling UPND, means the intact structures are merely waiting for a new direction to emerge within an opposition formation that guarantees them some form of comfort when they deliver victory in August 2026.

A bemba adage says “Isabi likonka amenshi.” Literal translation, the fish will always swim in the direction of the water. It’s possible at this point to project that as more conversations continue taking place among members of the Zambia We Want formation, UKA formation, EFF, SP, PF MPs, civil society, the Church and other stakeholders, an agreement and a possible announcement of a single flag bearer will see mass migration of PF structures that dream of becoming part of the new government next year, should there be such a change.

The move would be an ultimate win for all loyal PF members who have been yearning for direction and have given everything to the ideals of the party that they so loved and cherished.

As we conclude this editorial, we repeat, a united opposition has only up to April or June this year to put its house in order or start joining the UPND and kiss 2026 chances goodbye!

TONSE ALLIANCE STATEMENT ON THE RECENT FACT FINDING MISSION TO ZAMBIA BY THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR MS. IRENE KHAN

Liberty House, 1st February 2025

1. The TONSE ALLIANCE would like to take the opportunity of the recent fact-finding mission to Zambia, on freedom of expression, by the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Ms. Irene Khan, from 20th January 2025 to 31st January 2025, to sound a timely warning to President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND administration, that if they do not cease and desist from further violations of the human rights of the Zambian people, the next international human rights investigation they may face may be from the International Criminal Court Prosecutors.

2. President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND administration should take the Special Rapporteur’s recent visit as a wake up call. The world is now one big village where evidence of human rights violations is easily shared at the click of a button. In as much as President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND administration have invested heavily in propaganda by engaging huge numbers of unemployed youths as online warriors to influence online conversations, as well as intimidating or buying out the majority of media houses to peddle the UPND narrative on various matters, the recent decision by the United Nations to send a Special Rapporteur to investigate the Zambian Government on human rights violations, is testimony enough that the heavily funded UPND propaganda machinery is not as effective as President Hakainde Hichilema and his Government may think it is.

3. The TONSE ALLIANCE would further like to take this opportunity to sound a timely warning to individual hooligans within the UPND party, as well as purveyors of selective justice within the Zambia Police Service, who aid and abet these UPND hooligans, that if they do not change their ways soon, they may find themselves sitting in a solitary detention cell at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, where they shall have ample time and opportunity to reflect on the wanton human rights abuses that  they perpetrated and perpetuated on innocent Zambians, all because of a difference in political ideology and affiliation.

4. The TONSE ALLIANCE would like to remind President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND administration that whereas he may succeed to  intimidate, gag and bribe the voices of the Zambian people, it is literally impossible to intimidate, gag or bribe the voices of the international community. Therefore, the President should be rest assured that every incident of selective justice, every incident of weaponization of the Police and Judiciary, every incident of state-sponsored terrorism against citizens with dissenting opinions, every incident of Police abduction, every incident of extra-judicial killing of citizens, is well documented and catalogued by the international community, for action at the appropriate time. And that the recent visit by the UN Special Rapporteur to investigate human rights violations by the Zambian Government, is but merely a snippet of possible interdictions by the international community, that await the President and his administration, should they decide not to change their ways.

5. Lastly, the TONSE ALLIANCE would like to put it on record that it is the first time in the 61 years of our existence as a Republic, that an international body such as the United Nations, has visited Zambia for the purpose of investigating human rights violations by the Government, against its own people. President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND administration should introspect and wonder why there were no human rights violation investigations by any international body in the 27 years of UNIP rule, or in the 20 years of MMD rule, or in the 10 years of PF rule? But there is a United Nations human rights violation investigation within 3 years of UPND rule? Indeed, the verdict against President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND administration is undeniable.

The only question that now remains is whether the President and his UPND administration will only be record holders for having triggered a UN human rights violation investigation, or they shall also claim the record of being the first administration, in the history of Zambia, to be prosecuted at the International Criminal Court in the Hague? Evidently, that question can only be answered by President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration, depending on how they decide to relate with the Zambian people going forward.

///END

ISSUED BY:

SEAN E. TEMBO (SET)
PeP President & TONSE ALLIANCE Spokesperson
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

The Real Problem Isn’t the Police—It’s the Weakness of the Powers That Be

Laura Miti’s razor-sharp response to the arrest of four people for daring to ask about the president’s health isn’t just a moment of brilliant wit—it’s a damning indictment of a system so insecure that it criminalizes curiosity. Let’s be clear: the police are just the foot soldiers in this circus. The real issue lies with the powers that be—a leadership so fragile, so paranoid, that it feels threatened by mere whispers and questions. This isn’t strength—it’s cowardice dressed up as authority.

Miti’s mockery cuts straight to the heart of the absurdity. Her comparison to those other leaders isn’t just a clever dig—it’s a brutal reminder of how far the powers that be have fallen. When a government starts arresting people for asking about the president’s health, it’s not projecting power; it’s exposing its own crippling insecurities. What kind of leadership feels the need to silence even the most basic inquiries? The kind that knows it’s standing on quicksand.

And let’s talk about the police spokesman’s statement, which Miti hilariously rips apart. The idea that the president’s health status could be “proven in a court of law to not exist” is so laughably absurd that it feels like a bad sketch. But this isn’t comedy—it’s a chilling example of how far the powers that be will go to fabricate threats and justify their overreach. By turning the president’s health into a legal battleground, they’re not protecting him—they’re admitting that even the slightest scrutiny could shatter their carefully constructed illusion of control.

Miti’s laughter isn’t just about the ridiculousness of the charges; it’s a direct challenge to the legitimacy of the powers that be. When institutions meant to maintain order are reduced to chasing shadows and silencing harmless questions, they become a joke. And the leadership that directs them? Even more of one.

This isn’t about law enforcement—it’s about a leadership so weak, so terrified of accountability, that it weaponizes the police to crush even the faintest hint of dissent. But here’s the thing: you can’t arrest your way out of insecurity. Every heavy-handed action, every absurd charge, only exposes the cracks in the regime’s foundation.

Laura Miti’s response is a wake-up call. The powers that be and their desperation to control the narrative isn’t a sign of strength—it’s a confession of weakness. And the more they try to silence questions, the louder those questions will become. Because in the end, you can’t jail curiosity, and you can’t legislate loyalty. All you can do is reveal how scared you really are.

And that’s the real joke here—not the police, not the charges, but the pitiful, trembling hands of the powers that be pulling the strings.

Ephraim Shakafuswa
Member – Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders

TONSE Alliance Warns UPND Government After UN Human Rights Investigation.

The TONSE Alliance has strongly criticized President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration following a fact-finding mission by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, Ms. Irene Khan. The opposition coalition has warned that continued human rights violations could attract further international scrutiny, including potential action from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“This visit by the UN Special Rapporteur should serve as a wake-up call to President Hichilema and his government,” said Sean Tembo, spokesperson for the TONSE Alliance and leader of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP). “The international community is watching closely, and Zambia’s human rights record is now under serious examination.”

Tembo accused the UPND government of restricting freedom of expression and using state institutions to suppress dissent. “We have seen increased efforts to control the media, limit free speech, and use law enforcement to intimidate opposition voices,” he said. “No government should fear criticism from its own people—constructive dialogue is essential for democracy.”

The TONSE Alliance also expressed concern over reports of selective justice and politically motivated arrests. “The rule of law must be applied fairly and without bias,” Tembo stated. “No one should be targeted based on their political affiliation. If Zambia is to maintain its democratic integrity, our institutions must remain independent and free from political interference.”

Tembo urged government officials and security personnel to uphold human rights and avoid actions that could harm Zambia’s international reputation. “To those in positions of power, remember that your duty is to serve the people and uphold the Constitution,” he said. “History will judge how this government responds to concerns raised by the UN and the Zambian people.”

The opposition leader also noted that Zambia had never faced a UN human rights investigation under previous administrations. “This is the first time in our nation’s history that the United Nations has sent a Special Rapporteur to investigate human rights concerns,” Tembo said. “This should encourage serious reflection on governance and the direction our country is taking.”

The TONSE Alliance called on President Hichilema to take decisive steps toward strengthening democratic principles. “We urge the government to take these concerns seriously and implement reforms that protect freedom of speech, ensure fair justice, and foster national unity,” Tembo said. “A government that listens to its people will always be stronger than one that silences them.”

With the UN mission now concluded, a final report on Zambia’s human rights situation is expected in the coming months. The TONSE Alliance has vowed to continue advocating for accountability, good governance, and the protection of civil liberties. “This is about Zambia’s future,” Tembo concluded. “We must work together to ensure that democracy and human rights remain at the core of our nation’s progress.”

As the country awaits the UN’s findings, the government’s response to these concerns will be closely monitored, both locally and internationally.

Kumwesu February 1, 2025

ASPIRING MAYOR PLEDGES TO TRANSFORM KITWE THROUGH WASTE RECYCLING

…as he describes waste as a valuable resource capable of transforming Kitwe into a cleaner, greener, and more economically vibrant city

Kitwe… Friday January 31, 2025

Kitwe mayoral hopeful Charles Kabwita has outlined a bold plan to revolutionize waste management in the city if elected in 2026.

Speaking recently, Kabwita emphasized that waste recycling would be a cornerstone of his administration, aimed at driving environmental sustainability and fostering economic growth. 

Mr Kabwita stated that his vision involves encouraging businesses to invest in recycling, leveraging advancements in technology to enhance waste management practices.

He noted that this initiative would not only preserve the environment but also generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people, by promoting entrepreneurship in the recycling sector. 

He further revealed plans for the Kitwe City Council, under his leadership, to collaborate with the private sector in expanding recycling programs.

While some companies have already ventured into recycling, Kabwita stressed the need for greater participation to unlock the industry’s full potential.

He highlighted that scaling up these efforts would lead to job creation, increased revenue, and a cleaner urban environment. 

To achieve these goals, Kabwita outlined several key priorities: 

Public-Private Partnerships: He plans to attract both local and international investors to set up or expand recycling businesses in Kitwe. 

Waste Collection and Segregation: He proposed introducing specialized disposal bins for different types of waste—such as plastics, paper, biodegradable materials, and metals—to streamline recycling processes. 

Community Engagement and Education: Kabwita pledged to launch public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging responsible waste disposal and recycling habits among residents. 

Incentives for Recycling Businesses: He advocated for supportive policies, including tax breaks and grants, to boost the recycling industry. 

Job Creation and Skills Training: Kabwita committed to partnering with vocational training institutions to equip youth with skills in recycling and sustainable waste management. 

Kabwita described waste as “a valuable resource” that, if properly managed, could transform Kitwe into a cleaner, greener, and more economically vibrant city.

He called on residents and stakeholders to join him in building a sustainable future for all. 

As a former Chimwemwe Ward Councillor, Kabwita is positioning himself as a candidate focused on innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship in his bid for the 2026 mayoral race.

UN RAPPORTEUR PRAISES GOVERNMENT FOR LEGAL REFORMS, ADVOCATES FOR MORE PROGRESS

THE United Nations (UN) Rapporteur on the right to freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan has commended government for its commitment to legal reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, transparency and freedom of expression.

Khan praised government’s adoption of the Access to Information Act stating that adopting such a law makes a landmark achievement in promoting transparency and accountability.

“It is now crucial that this law is fully implemented, including through the full operationalisation of the Human Rights Commission as the access to information agency,” she said.

She also welcomed the decriminalisation of the defamation of the president, describing it as a crucial step toward protecting free speech.

Khan further urged for action to consolidate these gains ahead of the 2026 general elections.

“Legal reform is imperative but equally, there is also the need for clear policies to ensure that police and prosecutorial authorities apply the laws in a fair and non-discriminatory manner,” she said.

While acknowledging these strides, Khan called for continued legal reforms to address remaining restrictions on free expression.

She highlighted provisions on criminal libel, seditious practices and cybercrimes which she said should be reviewed to prevent their misuse in curbing critical voices.

Khan also urged government to accelerate the repeal and replacement of the Public Order Act, a law that has long been used to regulate public gatherings.

She added that government should also ensure fair and consistent application of laws in order to enhance the country’s democratic standing.

Khan further noted the importance of independent institutions such as the judiciary, the Electoral Commission and the Independent Broadcasting Authority in safeguarding democratic processes.

She encouraged government to continue strengthening these bodies to ensure they function free from political influence.

“Respect for freedom of opinion and expression is vital for Zambia’s development as well as democracy,” she said.

With all the reforms being implemented and suggestions for change, Khan concluded that Zambia had made progress in promoting freedom of expression since the UPND took over government.

By Catherine Pule
Kalemba,

UN Rapporteur acquits UPND, convicts PF of human rights violations

THE United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan has observed that Zambia’s human rights landscape has changed significantly since the UPND took over power, marking the end of a decade rule by the PF which was characterised by human rights violations.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A9vh6MHUV/?mibextid=oFDknk

Speaking when she called on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House today, Khan noted that the country is also at a crucial turning point as it prepares for its next general elections.

“My overall observation is that human rights stand at a crossroads as the country prepares for general elections and that there has been a significant political transition with the victory of the UPND and an end to a decade rule in which was marked with great human rights violations,” she stated.

The rapporteur, who is the first UN special envoy on civil and political rights to visit Zambia in eight years praised government’s openness to engaging with the international human rights system and addressing challenges constructively.

During her visit to Livingstone, Kitwe and Ndola, Khan met with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organisations, individuals and former ruling party members to assess the current state of civil and political rights.

She appreciated government for the access access given to her to meet all the people she met both from government and non governmental sectors.

His preliminary findings have been shared with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a final report, along with government’s response will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in June.

“Today I shared with foreign ministry my preliminary findings and I will share my written report with government for comments and factual correction and that report, together with the response of government will be submitted to the council in June and we hope to have a constructive dialogue,” she told President Hichilema.

“I appreciate government for the access given to me to meet all the people from government and non governmental that I met.”

Meanwhile, President Hichilema acknowledged the need for continuous progress in strengthening human rights.

He noted that Zambia had gone for years without such an assessment which would have provided a clearer comparison between past and present human rights conditions.

“We want to regret that there was no visitation for the last couple of years. I think it would have created a good comparative analysis of what the situation was and what the situation following the change of government is now and I think where we should be going in order to improve or do better things to do with freedom of expression in our country.”

“Four years ago, we could not even have a TV or radio programme without the risk of being harmed physically. And I’m one of those who went through that situation. Our duty is to make amends to improve the situation with the understanding that rights of this nature are fundamental basically enshrined in the constitution,” he shared.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving human rights, stating that fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression must be upheld.

“These freedoms are not isolated but intertwined. It’s important that we look at the broader array of human rights that need to be advanced further for the benefit of citizens. we have so much conflicts around the day today,” added the Head of State.

The Head of State assured the UN of Zambia’s readiness to continue working towards human rights reforms adding that progress in this area was not an event but a process.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, January 31, 2025