TONSE PAMODZI ALLIANCE CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AND RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATION
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has called for restraint and responsible communication following derogatory social media statements targeting leaders of the Church Mother Bodies.
Alliance Spokesperson, Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa, says while the Alliance understands the anxiety, pain and uncertainty surrounding incarcerated leaders and colleagues, wisdom must guide all public communication.
Dr. Mwelwa says quiet engagements are continuing between the Church Mother Bodies, Government and other key stakeholders, adding that the delicate efforts require trust, goodwill, confidentiality and responsible communication.
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has further rejected what it describes as insults against mediation partners, saying it appreciates all those promoting peace, justice, reconciliation and national stability.
The Alliance has urged its members and supporters to remain calm, prayerful, disciplined and united while supporting genuine efforts towards justice, peace and reconciliation.
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance should allow the law to take its course in the investigation and prosecution of its incarcerated leaders. Political parties and their leaders are not above the law, and allegations of wrongdoing should be addressed through the appropriate legal and judicial processes.
The Alliance has, from its inception, frequently relied on the Church particularly the Catholic Church in its political advocacy and calls for regime change. Since the UPND came into government in August 2021, and following its re-election in the August 2026 general elections, certain elements within the Catholic Church who were previously critical supporters of the PF and are now sympathetic to Tonse Pamodzi have continued to take political positions. The reasons for this change in stance remain unclear.
It is unfortunate that Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu allegedly misled their supporters into believing that they were certain to win the 2026 general elections. Their subsequent conduct, including claims of victory before the official results were established, risked misleading the public and creating unnecessary political tension.
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance should therefore stop spreading misinformation that the UPND government does not respect the Church. The question must be asked: which Church are they referring to? Respect for the Church does not mean that political leaders or organisations should be shielded from investigation or prosecution when there are allegations requiring legal scrutiny.
There is no justification for describing every lawful investigation or prosecution of opposition politicians as political persecution. If there are concerns about the conduct of the authorities, the appropriate response is to present evidence and challenge the matter through the courts and other lawful institutions.
The events surrounding the August 2026 elections should be examined objectively. Political leaders have a responsibility to maintain peace, respect electoral processes and avoid statements or actions that could incite their supporters, mislead citizens or contribute to violence and disorder.
Democracy is strengthened when everyone government, opposition, the Church and civil society alike respects the rule of law, constitutional institutions and the established electoral process.