Chungu tells HH: hand back PF before preaching unity

Chungu tells HH: hand back PF before preaching unity

Former Luanshya Member of Parliament Steve Chungu has said genuine reconciliation in Zambia will only be possible if President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration return the Patriotic Front (PF) to what he called its rightful owners, the PF.

Mr Chungu said President Hichilema’s message of national unity delivered during the recent National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation would remain hollow if the government continues to “usurp control” of the opposition party, PF, through what he described as political manipulation.

“Let Hichilema and the State give the PF back to its original owners. Then we’ll see true reconciliation among families and across the country,” Chungu said. “If there is to be genuine healing, the President must demonstrate goodwill by ensuring that the PF party is restored to its legitimate leadership.”

He accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of fostering division by allegedly using the Registrar of Societies to interfere in the PF’s internal affairs. “The Registrar must be free from UPND influence so that Zambians can live as one. Political interference in opposition parties is destroying trust and democracy,” he said.

Chungu also voiced concern over what he called ongoing injustices against opposition members, alleging that many PF supporters were languishing in prison while their cases remained unresolved. “So many of our people are suffering in prisons today. So many court cases remain pending. This government must show mercy and fairness if it claims to stand for unity,” he said.

He added that reconciliation could not be achieved through speeches alone. “Reconciliation is not a slogan. It must be demonstrated in action by restoring justice, ending persecution, and allowing political freedom,” Chungu said.

The former MP further urged government leaders to permit opposition rallies and political activities without police intimidation, citing an increase in abductions and politically motivated attacks. “Abductions are happening during the day, shared all over social media, yet the government has not condemned such acts. People are living in fear,” he said.

He argued that the unity Zambia once enjoyed across party lines has deteriorated under Hichilema’s watch, warning that continued hostility would deepen public mistrust ahead of the 2026 general elections. “We need oneness. We need unity. Elections or governance should not divide us,” he said.

Chungu also cautioned that moral leadership must be restored before the next polls. “Leaders come and go, but the nation remains. We must ensure no blood is shed over politics. Zambia is a Christian nation, and our political disputes must never cost lives,” he added.

He called on citizens to hold leaders accountable and to demand fairness in the governance process. “The government must act now to restore trust and unity or face accountability from the people next year,” he warned.

While State House did not immediately respond to his remarks, UPND supporters have previously dismissed similar accusations as baseless, saying the administration does not interfere with opposition party affairs.

Chungu, however, insisted that the government’s actions contradict its rhetoric on democracy and reconciliation. “You can’t preach forgiveness when you continue to persecute your rivals. Return the PF, and then we’ll talk reconciliation,” he said.

His comments come as Zambia’s political climate remains tense, with the PF divided between rival leadership factions and multiple cases before the courts over control of the party.