Changala Calls on President Hicilema to Release Lungu’s Remains

Human rights activist Brebner Changala has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to allow the family of the late former president Edgar Lungu to proceed with burial. He described the prolonged legal standoff as a moral issue requiring humility and leadership, and appealed to the country’s major church mother bodies to intervene.

Changala urged President Hichilema to “gather courage and some wisdom” to let the family lay the former head of state to rest. He argued that the ongoing court proceedings were preventing closure and risked deepening public divisions over the handling of state funerals.

“This is a moral issue. This is about governance with integrity,” Changala said. He criticised the government’s insistence on taking charge of Lungu’s burial, describing it as unnecessary and morally questionable.

Lungu died in South Africa on June 5, 2025, and his remains have remained there since as legal disputes over his burial continue. Changala stated that President Hichilema and the late former leader were never friends, and insisted that forcing a state funeral went against Lungu’s wishes and raised moral questions.

He claimed that the current administration’s approach to the burial was rooted in hostility and political malice. “Mr Hakainde, you are very, very aware that ECL was not your best human being that you would want to honour today, and it’s from that standpoint that you must not use this state funeral to extend the abuse of our former president. Let go,” he said.

Changala argued that Lungu died a sad man who was disrespected and vilified while alive, noting that the President and senior UPND figures consistently branded him a criminal. He accused the administration of using the state funeral to perpetuate humiliation.

“This is a president you never recognised when you were in the opposition. These are facts. This is a president, the leader of the opposition in the house, then, Mr Jack Mwiimbu, used to marshal his fellow MPs to walk out whenever he entered Parliament, and you never, not even one moment, punished any of your MPs,” Changala said.

He further stated that the administration had labelled Lungu a murderer in connection with several killings, arguing that this rhetoric has defined their relationship for years. Changala questioned why the President had not made any conciliatory public statements since Lungu’s death.

“You claim you want to give him a befitting burial and honour. Every right-thinking Zambian has come to realise that that is not the purpose of suing the family. The purpose is to humiliate ECL in death as you did it in his life. You have never made a statement since his death to apologise and show remorse,” he said.

Changala also appealed to the Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) to intervene and meet the President to facilitate a resolution. He described the continued impasse as inhuman and unacceptable.

“The humiliation of ECL is historical, and it will be in people’s memories for many, many years to come,” he said.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has called for intensified voter education campaigns ahead of the forthcoming voter registration exercise.

Speaking in Livingstone when he addressed members of the District Voter Education Committee (DVEC), ECZ Commissioner Mr Chipenzi said the Commission expects voter education facilitators across the country to double their efforts in reaching every eligible citizen with timely and accurate information.

Mr Chipenzi explained that voter education plays a pivotal role in ensuring that citizens not only understand the importance of participating in elections but also appreciate the procedures and requirements involved.

“The registration of voters will only be a success if every eligible Zambian is reached and motivated to register. This calls for massive sensitisation that is well-coordinated, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of different communities,” he said.

He noted that the Commission looks forward to achieving high registration turnout levels, especially among first-time voters, women, and youths, who often make up a significant portion of the electorate but remain underrepresented on the voter register.

“We want all Zambians of voting age, particularly the youth, to take this exercise seriously. Voter registration is the foundation of our democracy, and no one should be left behind,” Mr Chipenzi emphasised.

Mr Chipenzi also urged the DVEC members to work closely with traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and the media to ensure information about the registration process reaches both urban and rural populations.

“Our facilitators must be proactive and creative in their approach. Engage communities, use local languages, and leverage available platforms to make sure people understand the value of registering to vote,” he added.

The ECZ Commissioner further reminded the public that the voter registration exercise is a crucial stage in preparing for credible and transparent elections, adding that the Commission is committed to ensuring that the process runs smoothly and inclusively.

“The Commission remains dedicated to providing an enabling environment for all eligible voters to be captured during the registration period. We want a credible register that reflects the true will of the people,” Mr Chipenzi said.

He appealed to the general public to turn out in large numbers once the registration exercise begins, noting that participation in elections begins with registration.

The ECZ is expected to roll out a series of nationwide voter education campaigns in the coming weeks in readiness for the registration exercise.

And in Mbala, ECZ has launched a training programme for Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) in Mbala District.

Mbala District Registration Officer, Laura Munkanta, said the programme is aimed at building and maintaining credibility in the country’s electoral process.

Ms Munkanta explained that the training is designed to equip facilitators with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote meaningful citizen participation in governance.

She expressed confidence that the training will enable facilitators to effectively sensitise the public on voter registration and voting.

The district registration officer said the initiative is expected to enhance voter education and reduce voter apathy ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Ms Munkanta emphasised that the ECZ, under Article 229 of the Constitution of Zambia, has the constitutional mandate to conduct voter education and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

She further noted that effective voter education plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of elections.

“Effective voter education will determine the outcome of the 2026 General Election,” she said.

Ms Munkanta, who is also Town Clerk for Mbala Municipal Council, has since urged the facilitators to carry out their duties diligently and ensure that every citizen is well-informed about their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.

And in Nakonde, The Electoral Commission of Zambia is conducting a five-day voter education training for 22 Voter Education Facilitators (VEF) and 12 District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) members in Nakonde District in Muchinga Province.

The training, which started on October 4, 2025 and will run until October 8, 2025, aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct voter education in various communities.

Nakonde DVEC Coordinator, Florence Sichula stated that the workshop will provide an overview of voter education, its approaches and the mandate, legal framework and the role of the ECZ in voter registration and education.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Ms Sichula said participants will also be taken through the 2025 Voter Registration and Education Roadmap, highlighting key milestones leading to the 2026 general elections.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia has commenced the District Voter Education Training for Voter Education Facilitators and District Voter Education Committee members across the country, with Nakonde District taking part in the exercise,” she said.

She said the training emphasises the importance of empowering citizens with accurate and impartial information to make informed electoral choices.

She added that it also highlights the principles guiding voter education, including non-partisanship, objectivity, inclusivity and transparency.

“The capacity-building session aims to strengthen participants’ ability to plan and implement effective voter education campaigns at ward and constituency levels, ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind in the registration process,” Ms Sichula said.

After the training, the Voter Education Facilitators will be deployed to 15 wards across the district to conduct voter education.

A political storm on tribalism has erupted following remarks attributed to Patriotic Front senior member Mumbi Phiri concerning electoral strategy for the 2026 general elections, drawing sharp condemnation from the ruling party and a prominent public intellectual, while receiving a full-throated defense from another opposition leader who agrees with her assessment.

The controversy began after Mrs Phiri’s comments, which focused on the composition of a winning presidential ticket, entered the public domain. In direct response, the United Party for National Development (UPND) issued a formal press statement on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, expressing its position. The party, through its Deputy National Spokesperson Hon. Elvis Nkandu, stated it had “noted with deep concern the remarks attributed to the Patriotic Front’s Mumbi Phiri.” The UPND characterized her comments as “both regrettable and divisive,” asserting that they “run counter to the very foundation upon which our nation was built.”

The ruling party’s statement extensively invoked the national principle of “One Zambia, One Nation,” framing it not as a mere slogan but as a “solemn pledge.” The UPND argued that this pledge guarantees “that every citizen, regardless of tribe or region, would belong equally to one nation under one flag.” From the party’s perspective, “to suggest that political success must depend on ethnic combinations is a betrayal of that founding vision and the sacrifices of those who came before us.”

Detailing its own governing philosophy, the UPND statement outlined that “President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration believe that leadership must be anchored in merit, public service and the collective good. Not in tribal arithmetic.” It firmly declared that “Zambia’s leadership will never be defined by tribe, but by commitment to the people.” The statement further contended that the administration “will be judged by the people on the effectiveness of its policies and how well they serve the nation,” providing examples such as the “expansion of the CDF, delivering free education or unlocking economic growth.”

Concluding its rebuke, the UPND called for a higher standard of political discourse. “We ask that all political parties – including the Patriotic Front – focus on how best to deliver for all Zambians and to refrain from tribal politicking,” the statement read. It issued a broader appeal, calling “upon all members of civil society, political leaders across all parties, and every citizen to reject and condemn such divisive rhetoric in the strongest possible terms.” The party emphasized the enduring importance of national unity, stating, “Our unity has been our strength for six decades, and it remains the cornerstone of our democracy and peace.” The UPND’s final message was a call for remembrance: “Let us always remember that our future depends not on what divides us, but on what unites us. Together, we are moving forward as One Zambia, One Nation.”

Echoing the UPND’s condemnation from an independent standpoint, Zambian historian and political commentator Sishuwa Sishuwa posted a statement on his Twitter account. He expressed his unambiguous rejection of the remarks, writing, “I strongly condemn and completely reject this abhorrent tribalism and divisive talk of regionalism from Mumbi Phiri.” Sishuwa articulated an alternative vision for national leadership, stating, “To develop, Zambia does not need a given region or an individual from a particular ethnic group in State House. The country simply needs competent men and women who are patriots, have a feasible plan, and are committed to restoring the nation’s dignity, regardless of where they come from.”

Reinforcing the UPND’s foundational argument, Sishuwa reiterated the need to “remain One Zambia, One nation.” He applied this principle directly to the upcoming election, specifying the grounds on which political contests should be fought. “If Hichilema is to be removed from office in the 2026 election,” Sishuwa wrote, “it should be because he has failed to govern, not because he is an ethnic Tonga or because he does not hail from Eastern or Bemba-speaking provinces.”

In stark contrast to these positions, Sean Tembo, President of the Peoples’ Party (PeP) and Spokesperson for the TONSE ALLIANCE, issued a comprehensive statement titled “TRIBALISM? WHAT TRIBALISM?” in which he vigorously defended Mumbi Phiri. Tembo reframed the controversy, arguing that “Hon. Mumbi Phiri’s statement that if a Bemba picks an Easterner running-mate, then we will win, is a political strategy statement and not a tribal statement, as some are alleging.”

He directly challenged critics, posing a series of rhetorical questions: “Those who say this is a tribal statement, can you explain how it amounts to a tribal statement? Also tell us what combination of candidates would not amount to a tribal presidential ticket?” Tembo contended that a ticket comprising two different regions could not be logically defined as tribal. “To begin with, how does a ticket made up of two regions amount to a tribal ticket?” he asked, suggesting that a tribal ticket would only exist “if Hon. Mumbi Phiri had said the winning ticket needs to be a Bemba with another Bemba as running mate, then perhaps that would be seen as tribal. But that’s not what she said.”

Tembo then confirmed his full alignment with Phiri’s strategic outlook, writing, “By the way, l agree with Hon. Mumbi Phiri 100%. The ticket that has the greatest chance of removing UPND is one with a northerner (Muchinga, Luapula or Northern Province) as presidential candidate, and an Easterner as running mate.” He acknowledged that “other ticket combinations can also win,” but affirmed that “in my view, the ticket that has the greatest chance of winning is the one Hon. Mumbi Phiri proposed.”

To substantiate his argument, Tembo drew a direct parallel to political strategy in the United States. “Anywhere in the world, political parties have regional strongholds. Nothing wrong or tribal about that,” he stated. “Even in the US, democrats are strong up north, and republicans are strong down south.” He explained the American concept of “swing states,” noting that it is standard practice for presidential candidates to select running mates from these areas to maximize electoral appeal. “It is meaningless for a democratic presidential candidate to pick a running mate from a southern state such as Mississippi or Alabama,” Tembo wrote, “because such a running mate would not bring any votes to the ticket from where they’re coming from, because those are staunch republican states.”

Applying this logic to the Zambian context, Tembo offered a specific local example to illustrate his point about political strongholds. “In my considered view,” he stated, “both Hon. Given Lubinda and Hon. Raphael Nakachinda cannot win a Ward Councillor seat on a PF ticket, in their respective home villages, because those are UPND strongholds. That’s a fact. You might like it, or you might hate it, but it’s a fact.”

Tembo concluded his defense by attributing the criticism of Phiri to political motives, alleging that “The majority of those trying to condemn Hon. Mumbi Phiri’s statement are either UPND supporters or those that have been hired by the UPND to undermine the opposition from within.” He struck a defiant tone, declaring that “us well-meaning opposition leaders will not be bullied or blackmailed into floating a politically-impotent ticket, which will make us lose next year’s elections. We shall not be shy to openly talk about a ticket that has the greatest chance of winning us next year’s elections.” His final words on the matter were an unequivocal reaffirmation: “What Hon. Mumbi Phiri said is a matter of fact. Whether you like a particular fact or you hate it, nothing changes, it remains a fact.”

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, has announced that President Hakainde Hichilema will officially open this year’s Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII 2025) on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the second ZAMII event, Mr Kabuswe said the mining Insaka will run from October 6 to 10 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre under the theme ‘Unlocking Africa’s Wealth: Advancing Sustainable Mining, Beneficiation, and Value Addition.’

Mr Kabuswe reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming Zambia’s mining sector from one focused on extraction to one anchored on beneficiation, innovatio, and inclusive prosperity.

“This year’s Insaka builds on the success of the inaugural 2024 event, which created a strong platform for dialogue among government, investors, industry leaders and communities,” Mr Kabuswe said.

He noted that ZAMII 2025 aligns with Zambia’s long-term development frameworks, including the Eighth National Development Plan, Vision 2030 and the Green Growth Agenda, all of which emphasize value addition, job creation and industrial diversification.

Mr Kabuswe noted that these efforts aim to achieve the national target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031.

He also highlighted government initiatives to streamline licensing processes, strengthen regulatory institutions and expand critical infrastructure to support sustainable mining growth.

“True economic transformation will only be achieved when mining benefits reach local suppliers, women, youth and host communities. We are promoting local content, skills development and technology transfer to ensure Zambians actively participate in the mining value chain,” he said.

He further emphasized Zambia’s strategic role in the global energy transition, particularly in supplying critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital technologies.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards to ensure sustainable and responsible mining operations.

He called on all stakeholders to play a transformative role in positioning Zambia as a key player in global supply chains supporting the green energy transition.

ZANIS