By Kapya Kaoma
When African presidents weaponize the courts, the police and military to secure political survival, they forget a defining truth of our continent’s history– the fire of resistance has never been extinguished. From colonial times onward, Africa’s revolutions have rarely been won with guns—but through the courage of young people willing to die for their freedom.
Young nationalists resisted colonial rule with stones and their bodies. Colonial executions, prisons, and police batons could not silence their cry for justice. In the end, they triumphed over regimes armed with guns, laws, police, military and propaganda.
That revolutionary spirit slept for a time—until it reignited three decades ago, when Africa broke free from one-party nationalism and embraced democracy.
Zambia stood proudly at the heart of that rebirth. Once again, young people showed the world that bullets were not the only way to end oppression—ballots could do it more powerfully and peacefully.
Few believed that Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the mankangala once assumed to be “president for life,” could be removed through the vote. Yet in 1991, Zambians proved that democracy could defeat autocracy. The ballot replaced the bullet, and a new chapter opened for our nation and the region. Like Kaunda, our second president was in his forties—youth driving renewal once again.
That victory sparked a wave of democratic change across Africa. But today, that spirit feels distant. Many born after the 1990s know little of how hard-won our democracy was. This ignorance is no accident. Our civic education system ends with colonialism, ignoring the painful battles of our own democratic rebirth.
As a result, young Zambians don’t realize that the constant “dance” of constitutional amendments has often been a strategy for leaders to weaken—not strengthen—democracy.
Since Kaunda, every president has repeated the same tragic pattern–rise to power promising reform, denounce corruption and abuse—then reproduce the same autocratic tendencies once in office. If Kaunda was controlling, Chiluba was corrupting; Mwanawasa consolidated power; Banda deepened the rot; Sata personalized it; Lungu normalized it; and Hichilema has institutionalized it.
In Zambia, democracy has become a ritual of rotation, not transformation—a process of replacing one dictator with another under the guise of popular will. We celebrate peaceful transfers of power, then promptly forget why we fought for them.
But the new generations—Gen Z and Gen Alpha—are different. Their relationship with authority is unlike that of their parents. They have little patience for political symbolism or delayed promises. Their loyalty is fleeting; their expectations immediate. One day they chant “Bally will fix it,” the next “Bally wabufi.” They cannot be pacified with slogans or nostalgia. They demand visible results and real accountability.
This rising impatience is not unique to Zambia. Across the region, young people are reclaiming democracy. In Tanzania, youths are pushing back against what they see as judicial and constitutional overreach. Courts may side with power, but the real verdict is being delivered in the streets—by youth refusing to surrender their future.
President Hichilema should take note. The ongoing constitutional review is playing with fire. If the 50% + 1 electoral threshold is scrapped under the pretext of “economic efficiency” or “proportional representation”—or if other clauses appear designed to favor the incumbent—the backlash will be fierce.
The so-called Constitutional Committee seems driven more by allowances than by principle. But Zambians are not blind. They see through the political theatre. The old tactics of quiet manipulation—mingalato—will not survive in an age of social media and civic awakening.
When trust in institutions collapses, citizens turn to the streets. When legality loses legitimacy, no constitution, court, or police force can save a regime.
If Zambia continues down this path, we risk repeating the very cycle we once broke so proudly. And when that moment comes, the chants now shaking Tanzania may echo through Lusaka—a new generation demanding a democracy that means more than the right to choose the next dictator.
Let those with ears listen. A hungry man is an angry man.
Why should we listen to this chap who has hated HH even before he was president? Apenene uko with his PF.
Whilst I dont agree with with the state of affairs here
The headlines are not appropriate !!!!
They alarmist for no reason
That’s typical of Kapya Kaoma in his true essence. He feeds off negativity and alighting fires.
Attack the contents. YOU cadres will be the first to dump HH when Zambia burns. The good thing is he will run away, but how about you? Watch
I saw what was happening in Tunduma Town, I was there Yesterday.
I was in Tunduma Town of Tanzania Yesterday, so I saw what was happening there but I don’t know how the Situation is today.
I think what is going on in most African countries is sad. Leaders take a fair share of the blame. If Police get over board arresting opposition members willy nilly at the slightest ‘offence’ , leaders ruling at the time should query. Remember Police in Africa side with the ruling parties to stiffle opposition to keep their masters in power so that their jobs as Police are preserved. Africa should be a land of work and joy but not any more. Let us live in harmony and maintain peace
Power is like riding a tiger, an animal not meant for riding. Having ridden it for awhile and enjoying the ride comes a time, the ride becomes tough. You want to unride, you realize once off the animal-it shall maul thee. That’s why they cling to power even when letting go will be far better then. The situation gives the smell as one emanating from a broken sewer pipe; certainly not good a slight.
There’s no way in hell that Mama Samia Suluhu has legitimately won with 97% of the vote after putting the opposition and arrest and on trial for treason. Truly she’s Idi Amin Mama.
I now switch off ZNBC each time I see the liar on TV, especially with his recent annoying adverts and campaigns come up. But dont be shocked that I am UPND but I will vote for any candidate Tonse will choose
There is no one weakening our constitution in Zambia. We are simpling amending closes that sound as though there is no English Teachers in Zambia.
Don’t bury your head in the sand , what he has written is true the youth of today are different and so is communication, cell phones, social media, people are tire of greed and corruption, tired of living in the dark while the reast of the world goes forward, what is happening in Tanzania can and will happen here. The church no longer controls the people brains, people have woken up. no one trusts the govt or its presidents.
Awe we don’t want fya bupuba in Zambia. We are a matured nation. Our people are capable of voting in peace. These bazungu detractors are going all out on Africa. Yes these things are linked, pay attention iwe. Our poverty is linked to people who are funding and controlling our leaders. Isn’t it strange that when our leaders are stealing, the so called democratic west turn a blind eye but as soon as they try to help their people, these countries are met with civil unrest. Just think about that one and maybe you will understand who is really in charge of our country.
Why is it mostly Bembas writing this kind of stuff……….linking what is happening in TZ to Zambia ????
Comon people , just rallly yourselves and wait until 2026 or is it 2041. ???
FED2041
Your headline is very alarmist, bordering on incitement which is a criminal offence. When you get arrested you cry foul and accuse the police and courts of being weaponised. Be responsible and build not destroy
Zambis is not Tanzania,Don’t insight violence.our youths are responsible.We shall vote without problem..our president is different..