ZAMBIA: More chaos in PF as Kambwili mobilizes anti-Lungu protests

By: Ollus Ndomu

The former ruling Patriotic Front -PF- has fallen into chaos 48 hours after a statement by the party’s highest decision making body, MCC, that a General Conference will be held next year [2022] in June to replace Edgar Lungu who lost in the August 12 polls.

According to a source within the PF, Chishimba Kambwili, a party president hopeful is opposed to the MCC’s decision, accusing the body of working with the former President Lungu to further weaken the party.

“I am fully supporting Kambwili; Lungu is a finished man who should not be anywhere near the party’s [PF] business. He is the reason we are in opposition,” the source said.

The pro-Kambwili party cadres have been quoted by several local tabloids saying they are mobilizing to stage nationwide protests against Lungu’s continued stay as party president.

Lungu has further been accused of having ambitions to rerun for office in 2026, a factor among others stirring more confusion in a party grappling with tribal infighting and the ripple effect of the August massive loss.

“We are aware that Lungu wants to stand again in 2026. This won’t happen again. Lungu is a selfish man who wants everything to himself. See, everyone in PF is being fixed by HH, only him [Lungu] is enjoying his peace in the name of immunity. I wish the UPND could work on removing this thief’s immunity,” added the source.

Meanwhile, state police have made steady progress in their investigations of various cases involving PF bigwigs as former Defense Minister, Davis Chama remains incarcerated, while former Lusaka and Copperbelt province minister, Bowman Lusambo faces more court cases.