ZAMBIA: Ruling party tribal crusade draws condemnation

Zambians have yet another chance to determine the course of their country for the next five years. The last five years have been a case study of the county’s now rundown economy and the August 12 elections are a question of maintaining or changing the status-quo.

As reported by Amnesty International, the Patriotic Front government has been ruling by great repression, intimidation and no respect for rule of law. Just yesterday, the state police command showed its sheer partiality when Spokesperson Esther Katongo told local media that authorities could not stop the ongoing fully funded tribal crusade against the Tonga speaking people.

Former opposition leader now turned ruling party top praise singer, Chishimba Kambwili has rolled out a well-planned tribal crusade across the Northern circuit, a move which has triggered mixed reactions on the county’s mining hub, the Copperbelt, with some women groups threatening a naked protest should authorities remain silent.

In his campaign messages captured on camera, Kambwili is heard inciting other tribes to rise against the Tonga speaking of the south adding that the main opposition United Party for National Development -UPND- is a tribal party which is home to everyone Zambian from the south.

UPND Tuesday launched a complaint with the national election body but its an effort in futility as a senior Lusaka policeman spoke under anonymity:

“The Kambwili tribal campaign has blessings of the PF and the Republican President. The ECZ will do nothing against their masters. 12 August is the answer to all this crisis you’re seeing. Let Zambians vote wisely and see how we sort out these thieves we salute daily.”

Other political players such as the Democratic Party (DP) leader, Hary Kalaba condemned tribal politics while calling on authorities to arrest the scourge which has potential to trigger a national strife.

Zambia goes to the polls in August amidst an escalating tribal division engineered by top government officials in a bid to retain power even after having mismanaged the country’s economy.

About The Author