đżđ˛ BRIEFING | Tonse Hits Back at Hichilema, Says Reserves Wonât Win Elections
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has dismissed President Hakainde Hichilemaâs campaign launch, arguing that strong economic indicators alone will not secure victory if household living conditions remain difficult.
In a statement issued by acting chairperson Sakwiba Sikota SC, the alliance said, âNational reserves wonât save him from losing elections. Zambians are living under harsh conditions and want change.â
Tonse accused the UPND of celebrating foreign exchange reserves while many citizens continue to struggle with the high cost of living, unemployment and delayed payments to businesses. The alliance argued that economic success should be measured by improvements in household welfare rather than macroeconomic statistics.
The opposition also criticised President Hichilemaâs repeated references to Zambiaâs US$6.5 billion in foreign exchange reserves, saying the reserves provide only a few months of import cover and should serve as a buffer against economic shocks rather than campaign messaging.
âThe reserves are for emergencies and to protect the economy from collapsing, not for applause,â the statement said.
The remarks come a day after President Hichilema used the UPNDâs nationwide campaign launch outside National Heroes Stadium to defend his administrationâs economic record, citing stronger reserves, lower inflation, debt restructuring, mining recovery and free education as evidence that Zambiaâs economy has stabilised.
The exchange underscores how economic management has become one of the defining issues of the 2026 presidential campaign.
Š The Peopleâs Brief | Mwape Nthegwa
Granny Saki, HH and UPND losing elections to who?
I wonder if the opposition mean anything to this country. People who have been around can express themselves in this disappointing way. What will you be doing in Government if it is useless to have a buffer in reserves . I wonder how us Zambians are made no wonder foreigners take advantage in Zambia. People are talking no sense and youâre there praising them
Yes, just recently they were blaming HH for not anticipating and preparing for the severe drought.
And Saki,I thought you were sleeping.Its late.Go back to bed!!
And use a proper blanket that piece you have over your mouth is not enough.. Shaaa!!
I thought people with grey hair are wiseâŚhow can a country develop with such adults to advise the young ones. Itâs better to keep quiet at times.
Saki, retreat. Take a step back. You surely as for now not in a position to give a sound advice or opinion. Your time is over, as above suggested go and sleep. We are busy fixing things iwe, donât you see?