Tonse Accuses Given Lubinda of Fueling PF–Tonse Conflict

Tonse Accuses Given Lubinda of Fueling PF–Tonse Conflict

The Tonse Alliance has accused Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda of benefiting from growing divisions between the PF and factions aligned to the Tonse political bloc, arguing that he is exploiting internal conflict rather than working toward unity within the opposition.

Tonse spokesperson Lawrence Mwela said Lubinda appears to be thriving on the confusion and fragmentation affecting the PF, instead of promoting cohesion among opposition groups at a time when broader cooperation is being encouraged ahead of upcoming national elections.

Mwela stated that Lubinda has shown little interest in reconciling divisions within the PF and between PF-linked groups and the Tonse Alliance, suggesting that continued instability serves his political positioning. He argued that opposition politics requires responsible leadership that prioritises collective progress over personal advantage.

According to Mwela, Lubinda has failed to demonstrate genuine commitment to building unity within opposition ranks, instead maintaining a posture that benefits from ongoing disputes. He said the PF’s internal turbulence has created an environment in which Lubinda can consolidate influence while rival factions struggle for legitimacy.

Mwela further alleged that Lubinda lacks the authority and credibility to claim leadership within Tonse, noting that legitimacy within political alliances must be grounded in formal processes and democratic elections rather than public declarations.

He questioned how Lubinda could claim to speak for Tonse when the alliance’s constitutional structures and leadership pathways, according to him, do not support Lubinda’s assertions of authority.

The Tonse spokesperson said that legitimate leadership within the alliance remains anchored in figures who were appointed through established political processes, including the late former president Edgar Lungu, who previously held influence over Tonse’s strategic direction.

Mwela argued that Lubinda’s political approach has deepened confusion within the PF rather than resolving it, creating uncertainty among party members and supporters who are seeking clarity on the future direction of opposition politics.

He also said Lubinda has failed to offer credible leadership in resolving disputes over party legitimacy, factional alignments, and alliance coordination, leaving unresolved questions about who legitimately represents PF interests within broader opposition structures.

According to Mwela, Tonse continues to recognise leadership figures who were endorsed through established party and alliance processes, adding that any attempt by Lubinda to assert control over Tonse without formal backing is constitutionally unsound.

Mwela suggested that Lubinda’s political positioning is driven more by tactical self-interest than by a genuine desire to strengthen opposition unity. He said this has contributed to continued mistrust among opposition actors and has complicated efforts to present a unified alternative to the electorate.

The Tonse spokesperson further argued that political leaders must respect organisational rules, alliance constitutions, and internal democratic processes rather than attempting to claim authority through political manoeuvring.

He said Lubinda’s approach risks weakening opposition credibility by reinforcing perceptions of internal conflict and power struggles, which could alienate voters seeking stability and coherence among political alternatives.

The Tonse Alliance maintains that unity within opposition politics should be guided by lawful structures, mutual respect among leaders, and transparent decision-making, rather than by individual ambitions or opportunistic positioning.

Mwela’s remarks come amid heightened political tension within the PF, where competing factions continue to contest leadership legitimacy, alliance strategy, and electoral direction.

As opposition parties consider possible realignments and coalition strategies ahead of future polls, the Tonse Alliance has called for adherence to constitutional order and internal democratic standards as the foundation for sustainable political cooperation.