Mr. Michael Zephaniah Phiri a Political Activist advises the Army Commander in Zambia

Mr. Michael Zephaniah Phiri a Political Activist in Zambia has advised the Army Commander following his statement on the burial of sixth Republican President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. I have taken note of the statement reportedly issued by Army Commander Lt Gen Geoffrey Zyeele concerning the burial of former President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

While the Zambia Army holds a respected place in our democracy, it is important to reaffirm that its mandate is strictly non-partisan and subordinate to civilian authority. Any suggestion that the military will take a hard-line stance against citizens voicing their concerns — or asserting cultural and familial rights over their loved ones — is deeply troubling.

If the remarks circulating are indeed from the Commander himself, they risk setting a dangerous precedent. Let us not forget: every soldier is first a child of a civilian. Their duty is to protect all Zambians — not to intimidate or silence them. Zambia is a democratic state, and in democracy, governments come and go.

Power is never permanent. What must endure are our values: respect for the rule of law, civility, and the sanctity of our national institutions. No institution should behave as though it is above the people or the Constitution. This moment calls for calm, restraint, and a return to principles. We must not let emotion override our duty to unity, peace, and order.

Christian Coalition Zambia commends ECZ for its initiative to conduct online voter registration

The Christian Coalition Zambia has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia for its initiative to conduct online voter registration. The Commission has commenced testing of the Online Voter Pre-registration Platform before launching the actual system in September 2020.

Coalition President Professor Charles Mwape says this initiative is timely as the country is moving towards embracing technology in conducting businesses. Professor Mwape says the initiative gives an opportunity to many youths to register as voters at their convenience and participate in the 2021 general elections.

He said the initiative will further allow the Electoral Commission of Zambia to register the targeted 9 million eligible voters ahead of the 2021 polls. Professor Mwape said people who are opposing this initiative therefore do not understand the changing world and do not understand the tenets of democracy.

He said this initiative must be welcomed by all well meaning Zambians as it will more people to register as voters. And Professor Mwape said ECZ Chairperson Justice Essau Chulu to step down for failure to reduce nomination fees ahead of the 2021 polls. He said the exorbitant fees are prohibitive to many Zambians who would want to participate in next year’s polls.

Fire Hon Mweetwa in public interest, demands Christian Coalition

CHRISTIAN Coalition Zambia has demanded that President Hakainde Hichilema fires chief government spokesperson and information minister Cornelius Mweetwa. Last Monday, Mweetwa revealed that his party had worked with PF central committee member Chishimba Kambwili to promote hate speech to make Zambians hate then president Edgar Lungu and vote against him. “We expected by now Mr Lungu to see through his political schemes.

And I can now begin to disclose that we worked well with Mr Chishimba Kambwili to bring down Edgar Lungu. That’s the reason why he didn’t go with his party into PF, he left it. He said ‘no, remain here, me I will just go and issue tribal remarks. The person I’m representing will be hated by the citizens’. And that’s what happened,” said Mweetwa. Reacting to the statement, Christian Coalition Zambia president Clergy Chombela said Mweetwa’s statement suggesting collaboration in making tribal remarks not only undermines the democratic process but also damages national unity and social cohesion.

“As the President we urge you to put up an investigating team, we demand that the minister be fired in public interest as the statement is contrary to what the new dawn claim to stand for which is uniting the nation,” he said.“ Hon Cornelius Mweetwa’s statement is an embarrassment to democracy and we advocate for an investigation into the matter. Additionally, it calls for President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) to show leadership by taking appropriate action, including the potential dismissal of Mr Mweetwa.” Chombela said political discourse is very important in any democratic system.

“However, as a nation we need responsible political discourse which is vital for the health of our democracy,” he said. Chombela said Zambia needs leaders who will have respectful communication, constructive criticism and the avoidance of inflammatory language or tribal remarks. He said it is imperative that a thorough investigation be conducted. “This investigation should aim to uncover the truth behind the claim and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Only through a transparent investigation can we ensure that our political leaders are held to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct,” Chombela said.

“We hope that the President will take this matter seriously because the statement made by the chief government spokesperson has brought embarrassment to the government and the nation as a whole. It reflects poorly on the leadership of the country and raises questions about the moral compass of those in power. Such remarks not only tarnish the reputation of the ruling party but also damage the image of Zambia on the international stage.” He explained that the embarrassment caused by the statement also necessitates swift action to rectify the situation. “We urge President Hakainde Hichilema as a person whom the Zambian people elected to take responsibility and to show the Zambian people strong leadership and address the issue promptly. He must demonstrate his commitment to upholding the principles of responsible governance, unity and national cohesion.

Firing Mweetwa, if found guilty of making tribal remarks would send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated under his leadership,” he said. “We also make a call to all political leaders especially those in government to be sober minded and be cautious of the statements they make because to maintain a thriving democracy it is crucial that political leaders prioritise the values of inclusivity, respect and accountability.” Chombela said President Hichilema has an opportunity to set a precedent for his administration by taking decisive action against any form of tribalism or inflammatory rhetoric. “By doing so, he can foster an environment conducive to constructive dialogue and national progress.

The recent statement made by the chief government spokesperson regarding collaboration in making tribal remarks is not only embarrassing but also undermines the principles of responsible political discourse,” said Chombela- The Mast

Booing of our Republican President is a clear indication that the masses are unhappy with the current state of affairs

- Christian Coalition Zambia Booing the President The Christian Coalition Zambia is saddened by the recent booing of President Hakainde Hichilema the Republican President at Heroes Stadium, much as the Coalition condemn the behavior in strongest term we believe that it is a wakeup call to Government.

The booing of our Republican President is a clear indication that the masses are unhappy with the current state of affairs. The discontent is palpable, and Government must take heed. As Christian Coalition, we are called to speak truth to those in Authority of power and stand with the vulnerable.

The struggles of our people are not going unnoticed. Food security and affordable living are fundamental rights, and it is the responsibility of our leaders to ensure these basic needs are met. We urge our President and Government to listen to the voices of the people and take concrete action to address the pressing issues of food security and affordability. We need policies that prioritize the well-being of all Zambians, not just a few.

Let us work together to build a nation where everyone has access to basic necessities like food and affordable living. Let us pray for our leaders, that they may have wisdom and compassion to serve the people. May God bless Zambia and guide us towards a brighter future for all.