Mbula Warns Zambia Risks Tanzania-Style Unrest Over Governance
Former Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Leslie Mbula has cautioned that Zambia could face growing unrest if leaders continue to ignore citizens’ voices and mishandle key governance and constitutional matters.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Dr Mbula reflected on recent post-election demonstrations in Tanzania, where opposition supporters have protested over alleged political favouritism, intimidation, and curbs on free speech. He said the developments there provide an important lesson for Zambia as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
“When citizens’ voices are ignored, frustration grows,” Dr Mbula said. “If leadership treats dialogue as confrontation, revolt becomes inevitable.”
He said Zambia must preserve its reputation for stability by embracing open consultation and dialogue on sensitive national issues such as the constitutional-amendment process. He urged government to listen more closely to citizens and avoid decisions that appear rushed or one-sided.
“A Constitution belongs to the people, not to any government,” he said. “When you rush amendments without genuine engagement, you alienate the very citizens whose rights you claim to protect.”
Observers note that Zambia’s current constitutional review has drawn public debate and concern from several civic organisations. Some groups have described the process as politically driven, while others say it lacks adequate consultation. These debates, coupled with wider concerns about civic space and economic hardship, have created a tense atmosphere that analysts warn could mirror frustrations seen elsewhere in the region.
Dr Mbula said the country’s long-standing peace depends on dialogue, tolerance, and respect for differing opinions. He added that government should view public criticism as part of democratic engagement, not as hostility.
“People rarely revolt overnight,” he said. “It starts with ignored grievances, unresponsive governance, and laws imposed from above rather than through participation.”
He also encouraged leaders to recognise the role of independent media and civil-society organisations as partners in sustaining democracy, noting that open debate strengthens institutions and prevents mistrust.
While avoiding direct comparison, analysts say that recent political tensions in Tanzania, where protesters have challenged post-election outcomes and the treatment of opposition voices, illustrate the importance of maintaining inclusive dialogue and free expression across the region. Both countries, they say, have shared traditions of stability that can only endure through accountable governance.
As Zambia approaches the 2026 elections, Dr Mbula emphasised that the country’s leaders must prioritise national unity and fairness over political advantage. He warned that ignoring early signs of discontent could risk undoing decades of peace.
“Our democracy was built on consultation, not coercion,” he said. “If we abandon that principle, we will lose the stability we take for granted.”
Dr Mbula’s remarks come as civic and faith-based organisations continue to call for transparency in the constitutional process and greater protection of citizens’ rights to speak and assemble. His comments echo a broader appeal for dialogue as the cornerstone of Zambia’s democracy.
— Phoenix News | 31 October 2025
This is when I got a problem with people who think they know politics and the people of zambla, are you inciting violence? Zambians don’t believe in that they rejected that by voting PF out of office. Definitely my people not going back, and those who think will the game my family, the people and media, we are already ready for you
This fossil is still around?
How do you relate this to our country?
Nothing, the old man has no tangible matters to talk about
Timely advise. The current environment is very fertile for political discord.
Leslie Mbula is an experienced politician and he knows what is talking about! Lets take for example, Bill 7 was rejected, then someone goes and forms a constitution review commission in the middle of an election. Who does that?
The opposition is threatened, they impose an opposition leader who is illegitimate, they impose him to leader of the house before the courts rules the true owners!
Yes, there is stability in the country and there is peace, however will people eat peace? Come on Leslie understands the plight of Zambians not where the government is for the elite only. Guys wake up. 7 years term of office is coming soon. No limit on nominated members of parliament is coming. By the way am UPND but it doesn’t mean I should support blindly. Lets wake up.
@Mweo…Mbula is an experienced civil servant and certainly not an accomplished politician. Fact!
I respect the Old Man. He is right by giving this timeless advice to the UPND government which is clearly lost on matters of governance. Arrogance and burying heads in the sand wont take Zambia anywhere that is desirable. Thank you Sir.
The former Secretary to Cabinet has the right to express his opinions. Quite often, incompetent and corrupt politicians end up dictators because they fail to deliver on their promises. So they suppress people. HH/ UPND had no framework to deliver what they promised. That is why HH does not seem to favor fair game.
When upnd has been in power for 50 years you might start to make this comparison, otherwise it’s just hot air
Never say never in Africa
He is talking about Bill 7. For those that have ears. Let them hear.
Does Bill 7 involve Tanzania? No. Anyway we should look into who is paying for lunches and transport and other allowances, addiction to the same is one of the major threats to the nation. Money for endless consultation has to come from somewhere
Dr.Mbula is clear a demonstration of lack of leadership no wonder Zambia is in these mess the problems in Tanzania must be understood in its context.Mr Mbula should be held accountable of insighting violence, Zambia is better in the hands of President Hichilema PF left way too many problems it will take many years to undo the damage left behind by PF
If your inner circle starts warning you publicly, and you take the route of UPND media team which does not know how to say sorry we have errored here and will do better, then the consequences surely follow
Won’t most opposition leaders jail term in Zambia run until after 2026 elections, so in essence they are excluded. Meanwhile fraud star Chabinda is roaming the streets and masquerading as leader of an opposition party, even irresponsibly being encouraged
Advice came at a wrong time comparison in Zambia with war tone countries we will not torarate that Sir please stay away from problems or you just hate the current government come out open so in other words you are insighting citizens to raise against the current government be careful just stay home and enjoy your benefits
Timely advice, let those with ears hear.
Timely advice, let those with ears hear.
Let’s hope Tanzania doesn’t end up being a failed state like Somalia and Sudan. It takes decades for states to get out of their quagmires. Besides, it would compromise Zambia’s most important trade route.
Ignore advice at your own peril. Free and price less advice
I think most of the people are missing the point hear. There some opposition leaders who have been charged illegal assembly buy merely meeting in their house. Of is being run by upnd. Most opposition leaders have been arrested and many more a facing arrest eyc