ZAMBIA: New govt still suffering from opposition syndrome

By: Ollus Ndomu

Barely 11 days after ousting the brutal and corrupt Patriotic Front -PF- regime, the new ruling United Party for National Development -UPND- seems to have inherited the former ruling party’s confusion.

Zambian social media spaces are awash with the ruling UPND Secretary General Batuka Imenda’s contradictory statements about the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema’s refusal to occupy State House. Hichilema who took oath on Tuesday to become Zambia’s 7th Republican President has reportedly refused to shift to State House adding that he will only be visiting the Presidential residence for work purposes.

Zambians have taken to social media to criticize the new government but Mr. Imenda has issued another statement saying President Hichilema will shift to State House after the ongoing renovations are done.

The party Secretary General has also disclosed that he has been warned against mixing party business with state affairs.

Sworn-in two days ago, Hichilema is yet to name his cabinet but there are widespread concerns among some citizens that the ruling party officials are trying to turn state affairs into party business.

Hichilema has remained resistant to occupying State House in addition to refusing to use state vehicles.