Former Cabinet minister Yamfwa Mukanga has cautioned that the Patriotic Front (PF) faces the risk of further defections if persistent internal disputes within the party are not resolved.

Mukanga’s remarks come amid continued tensions within the opposition party, where disagreements over leadership direction and organisational matters have generated concern among members and supporters.

Speaking on the state of the party, Mukanga warned that prolonged divisions could gradually weaken the PF’s internal cohesion and undermine its ability to maintain a unified political front.

Political organisations, he observed, often experience internal disagreements. The critical factor, however, lies in how those disputes are managed. Where conflicts are addressed through dialogue and structured engagement, unity can be preserved. When disagreements linger unresolved, they can steadily erode confidence within the party.

Mukanga noted that party members expect leadership to provide stability and direction, particularly during periods of political transition or internal contestation. When members perceive uncertainty within the leadership structure, it can create anxiety about the party’s future.

According to Mukanga, sustained internal wrangles have the potential to push some members toward alternative political platforms if they believe their concerns are not being adequately addressed.

He stressed that unity remains a central pillar for any political organisation seeking to retain credibility and influence in the national political landscape.

Political parties, by their nature, rely on disciplined internal structures and shared purpose among members. When disputes dominate internal discourse, organisational focus can shift away from broader political objectives.

Mukanga warned that the PF must guard against allowing internal disagreements to overshadow the party’s broader political mission.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening internal dialogue mechanisms that allow members to express concerns while preserving organisational stability.

Inclusive engagement within party structures, he explained, helps reduce misunderstandings and reinforces confidence among members who want to remain actively involved in the organisation’s direction.

Mukanga also underscored the role of leadership in managing internal differences. Leaders of political organisations carry the responsibility of guiding members through periods of tension while maintaining a clear sense of purpose.

Constructive engagement, he noted, is often the most effective way to resolve internal disputes before they deepen into long-term divisions.

The former minister further observed that political parties must continuously reinforce internal discipline and cohesion if they are to remain competitive in national politics.

A fragmented organisation, he warned, struggles to mobilise effectively and risks sending mixed signals to both supporters and the wider electorate.

Mukanga pointed out that the PF has historically maintained a strong presence within Zambia’s political landscape. Over the years, the party has built extensive structures and networks that have supported its participation in national political processes.

However, he cautioned that prolonged internal disputes could weaken those foundations if corrective measures are not taken.

Political parties, he said, derive their strength not only from leadership but also from the confidence of ordinary members who form the backbone of the organisation.

When members begin to feel disconnected from decision-making processes, dissatisfaction can grow and eventually translate into departures.

Mukanga therefore urged party leaders and members to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation as a means of stabilising the organisation.

Restoring unity within the PF, he said, would help reinforce the party’s organisational structures while maintaining confidence among members and supporters.

He also emphasised that internal stability plays a critical role in shaping public perception of political parties.

Where a party appears divided, voters may question its readiness to govern or provide alternative leadership.

Conversely, a party that demonstrates cohesion and disciplined leadership is more likely to maintain credibility in the eyes of the electorate.

Mukanga encouraged PF members to focus on strengthening internal unity and rebuilding trust within party structures.

Resolving internal disputes through constructive engagement, he noted, would not only prevent further defections but also reinforce the party’s ability to operate effectively within Zambia’s political environment.

The former minister concluded that sustained unity within the PF remains essential for maintaining organisational stability and preserving the party’s position within the country’s political landscape.

Government has assured the public that Zambia currently holds sufficient fuel stocks and that there is no immediate risk of shortages despite tensions in the Middle East that have raised concerns about global oil supply.

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the country has adequate reserves of key petroleum products and urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic buying.

Speaking in Lusaka, Chikote said Zambia’s fuel reserves currently include approximately 326 million litres of diesel, which provides about 60 days of cover. Petrol stocks stand at around 32.8 million litres, representing about 19 days of cover, while kerosene reserves are estimated at 104 million litres, equivalent to about 14 days.

He added that the country also holds around 1.6 million litres of Jet A-1 fuel, representing roughly nine days of supply.

Chikote said these levels indicate that Zambia remains adequately supplied in the short term despite concerns arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

The minister said authorities are closely monitoring international developments and their potential implications for global energy markets.

He explained that the government remains alert to global oil market fluctuations but emphasised that current stock levels provide reasonable protection against immediate disruptions.

Chikote said the ministry is working closely with key stakeholders in the petroleum supply chain to ensure the continued availability of fuel across the country.

He urged the public to avoid panic buying or hoarding of fuel, stating that such behaviour could create artificial shortages and disrupt supply distribution.

According to Chikote, maintaining normal purchasing behaviour will help ensure the stability of supply as authorities continue to monitor global developments.

Concerns about fuel availability have grown in many countries following heightened geopolitical tensions involving major oil-producing regions.

Global oil markets often react quickly to political developments in regions associated with energy production and transportation.

Chikote said Zambia’s energy authorities remain vigilant and continue to assess potential developments that could influence international fuel prices or supply routes.

He added that government institutions responsible for energy planning remain prepared to respond if international market conditions change significantly.

The minister emphasised that Zambia’s current reserves are sufficient to sustain normal economic activity in the short term.

Fuel remains a critical component of economic operations across multiple sectors including transport, agriculture, manufacturing and mining.

Chikote said the government recognises the importance of maintaining stable fuel supply systems to support economic activity and public services.

He said authorities will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed about any developments that may affect the national fuel supply.

For now, Chikote said Zambia’s fuel reserves remain adequate and there is no need for alarm.

Government says it remains engaged in discussions with the family of former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu regarding funeral arrangements, with State House indicating that dialogue between the two sides continues as authorities seek a resolution.

Presidential spokesperson Clayson Hamasaka Kabesha stated that consultations between government representatives and members of the Lungu family are ongoing and are aimed at reaching an understanding that respects both the family’s wishes and state responsibilities connected to the funeral of a former head of state.

Kabesha said government has maintained communication with the family since the passing of the former president and that the objective remains to ensure the burial takes place in a dignified manner.

According to Kabesha, discussions are centred on reaching common ground regarding the organisation of funeral proceedings and related matters.

He said the State recognises the importance of the burial of a former head of state and is committed to working with the family to reach an outcome that reflects respect for the deceased while maintaining established procedures for state funerals.

Kabesha said dialogue remains the preferred approach for resolving outstanding issues surrounding the funeral arrangements.

He added that the government believes engagement with the family provides the most appropriate path to address concerns that have arisen during the process.

The burial of the former president has drawn national attention, with calls from various groups urging both government and the family to resolve differences so that the country can proceed with funeral arrangements.

Kabesha said government remains open to discussions and has continued to interact with representatives of the family as part of efforts to bring the matter to closure.

He noted that the passing of a former head of state carries significance beyond the immediate family, as it is also an event of national importance requiring coordination between the state and relatives.

Kabesha said the government remains committed to ensuring that the process is handled with respect and dignity.

The spokesperson stated that authorities are mindful of public interest in the matter and that the state’s approach has been guided by the need to maintain communication with the family while working toward an agreed position.

He said government has not closed the door on dialogue and will continue engaging the family as discussions progress.

Kabesha added that government hopes that continued consultations will eventually lead to a resolution that allows the burial of the former president to proceed.

He reiterated that the state remains committed to dialogue as the discussions continue.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that rising global oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions could place renewed pressure on inflation and the exchange rate in Zambia.

The IMF said if these pressures persist, Zambia may need to adjust domestic fuel prices to reflect higher international oil costs in order to avoid potential losses in fuel tax revenues. The Fund stressed that maintaining strong policy discipline and building economic buffers will be critical to sustaining macroeconomic stability.

Despite the risks, the IMF highlighted several positive economic developments in Zambia, including improved fiscal discipline and continued progress in the country’s debt restructuring process. These measures, it said, are helping to stabilise the economy.

The Fund added that Zambia’s economic outlook remains cautiously optimistic, supported by expected improvements in electricity generation, recovery in the mining and agriculture sectors, and ongoing structural reforms.

However, the IMF cautioned that challenges remain. It urged the government to maintain prudent fiscal management, strengthen revenue mobilisation and ensure social spending is protected while still supporting economic growth.

Meanwhile, Zambia has expressed interest in negotiating a successor programme with the IMF as it continues implementing economic reforms.

An IMF staff team led by Edward Gemayel, which recently concluded a visit to the country, said preliminary discussions on a possible successor programme could begin as early as April this year. However, substantive policy negotiations are expected to resume only after the country’s general elections later this year.

During the visit, the IMF delegation held meetings with Hakainde Hichilema, Situmbeko Musokotwane and Denny Kalyalya to discuss Zambia’s economic outlook and reform progress.