GEARS Initiative Zambia has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent engagement with retired commanders of the Zambia Defence Force, describing the meeting as a positive contribution to national security dialogue and institutional continuity.

In a statement issued on June 3, the governance and democracy organisation said the President’s decision to consult former Service Chiefs demonstrated leadership that values experience, institutional memory and inclusive engagement on matters affecting national stability.

The organisation said retired military leaders possess extensive operational and strategic knowledge that can continue benefiting the country long after active service. GEARS argued that consultation with former commanders should be viewed as prudent governance and a sign of confidence in national institutions.

The group further said the engagement promotes national unity and reinforces the constitutional principle of civilian oversight of the military. According to GEARS, the meeting showed that seeking advice from retired security leaders does not diminish civilian authority but strengthens informed decision-making.

Executive Director Patrick Kaumba said the organisation hopes similar engagements can continue in the future and suggested the creation of a formal advisory platform through which retired Service Chiefs could contribute institutional knowledge to successive administrations.

GEARS described the meeting as an example of constructive leadership and urged stakeholders to view the development as part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional stability and national cohesion. Below is the full Press Release

“Voice of Democracy & Electoral Integrity”

GEARS SECRETARIAT: OFF Lilayi – Bamora Road Subdivision F 919/ Stand 12 B /8 PO BOX FW 251 LILAYI [ Lusaka South] LUSAKA.

Email: [email protected]; Mobile: +260979827370

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

03^rd June, 2026.

Statement by GEARS Initiative Zambia, in Support of President Hakainde Hichilema’s Engagement with Retired Service Chiefs

GEARS Initiative Zambia, wish to unequivocally commend and support His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema for his deliberate and statesmanlike decision to meet with retired Service Chiefs of the Zambia Defence Force.

This move, far from being ceremonial, is a strategic masterstroke for national security, institutional memory, and democratic consolidation.

Firstly, it bridges the gap between civilian leadership and military expertise. Retired Service Chiefs possess decades of operational, strategic, and institutional knowledge. By consulting them, President Hichilema is not only respecting their service but also tapping into an invaluable reservoir of wisdom that border tapping into integrity, internal security, and regional stability. This is not interference; it is prudent governance.

Secondly, it fosters unity and heals old wounds. For too long, retired military leaders were viewed with suspicion by succeeding political administrations. This meeting breaks that toxic cycle. It sends a powerful message that Zambia’s security apparatus is non-partisan and that every patriot, regardless of when they served, has a role in building a peaceful, prosperous nation under the mantra “One Zambia, One Nation.”

Thirdly, it strengthens civilian oversight without intimidation. A president who can sit respectfully with retired generals, listen to their counsel, and yet maintain constitutional authority demonstrates mature leadership. This engagement reassures citizens that while the President values military input, ultimate command remains firmly in civilian hands as mandated by our Constitution.

GEARS Initiative Zambia has long advocated for inclusive dialogue on national security. We urge other political actors and civil society groups to see this for what it is: a progressive step toward institutional stability. We also encourage the President to institutionalize such engagements—perhaps through a formal advisory council of retired service chiefs—to ensure continuity.

President Hichilema has shown that leadership is not about surrounding oneself with “yes” people, but about seeking counsel from those who have stood guard for the nation. This is the hallmark of a true statesman.

Issued by:
Patrick Kaumba

Executive Director
GEARS Initiative Zambia

The decision to charge former minister and Mazabuka Central independent parliamentary candidate Gary Nkombo with assault has developed into one of the most closely watched legal and political disputes of Zambia’s election season. What began as a confrontation during nominations has evolved into a wider discussion about police conduct, political violence and public confidence in institutions as the country moves towards the August 13 general election.

Police insist the matter is straightforward. Southern Province Commissioner Namalongo Songe says officers acted after receiving a formal complaint from Bilden Shaloba and followed established investigative procedures before proceeding with the charge. According to police, the case should be assessed on the evidence gathered during investigations rather than through the prism of political competition or public sentiment.

Nkombo has consistently rejected that characterisation. The former Local Government and Rural Development Minister maintains that he was the victim of the violence that erupted at Mazabuka Civic Centre during nominations on May 20 and has repeatedly questioned why individuals he believes attacked him have not faced similar legal action. His position has remained unchanged since the incident first entered the national spotlight.

The confrontation occurred during one of the most sensitive stages of the electoral process as candidates filed nomination papers ahead of the general election. Images and video footage from the scene spread rapidly across social media platforms, turning what would ordinarily have remained a local political disturbance into a national story. The circulation of those images ensured that public opinion formed quickly and often before investigators had completed their work.

The matter has remained under intense scrutiny since then. Governance activist Brebner Changala has criticised the decision to prosecute Nkombo, arguing that many members of the public view the independent candidate as the person who suffered the attack. Similar concerns have been raised by opposition figures and some civil society voices who believe the handling of the matter carries implications that extend beyond the assault allegation itself.

Police have firmly defended their actions. Commissioner Songe says law enforcement agencies cannot ignore complaints simply because politicians are involved and that investigators have a duty to examine allegations brought before them regardless of the status of the individuals concerned. She maintains that decisions are guided by evidence collected during investigations and not by political affiliation, campaign considerations or public pressure.

The dispute is unfolding against the backdrop of a wider national conversation about election-related violence. Opposition parties and civic organisations have repeatedly expressed concern about intimidation, clashes and tensions surrounding the nomination process, particularly in constituencies where political competition is intense. Government officials continue to maintain that, despite isolated incidents, conditions across much of the country have remained generally peaceful.

Those competing interpretations have given the Mazabuka matter significance beyond the courtroom. For supporters of Nkombo, the case has become a test of whether all political actors receive equal treatment under the law. For police, it represents an opportunity to demonstrate impartiality and independence during a highly charged election period in which every decision is likely to attract political interpretation.

A criminal charge does not amount to a conviction, and the courts will ultimately determine what transpired during the confrontation and whether criminal responsibility exists. What is already clear, however, is that the case has become part of a larger national discussion about institutional credibility, political competition and public trust during election campaigns.

For now, police maintain they acted within the law. Nkombo maintains that he defended himself and was the victim of the confrontation. The courts will determine which account prevails.

Editor’s Note: “The closer an election draws, the greater the public scrutiny placed on institutions handling politically sensitive cases. Confidence in the process often becomes as important as the outcome itself.”

Economic management, public services and job creation are expected to dominate Zambia’s election campaign, with political parties increasingly directing attention to their records and policy proposals as the country moves closer to the polls.

The governing United Party for National Development (UPND) has placed economic recovery and service delivery at the heart of its message, frequently pointing to programmes introduced since taking office in 2021. Opposition parties, meanwhile, have continued to focus on the cost of living, employment opportunities and the pace of economic improvement experienced by ordinary households.

Government officials have repeatedly highlighted growth targets in mining, agriculture, electricity generation and tourism, arguing that increased production remains central to efforts aimed at expanding the economy. Senior officials have maintained that higher output in those sectors would strengthen exports, attract investment and support job creation across the country.

The administration’s economic programme has also been accompanied by a series of social-sector interventions that have become prominent features of its record in office. Free education, the restoration of meal allowances for university students and expanded bursary support continue to feature prominently in government communication and public engagements.

Officials say the measures have increased access to education and eased pressure on families that previously struggled to keep children in school. The programmes have become some of the most visible policy initiatives undertaken during the current administration.

The expanded Constituency Development Fund has also become a major component of government spending at local level. Increased allocations to constituencies have supported community projects, skills training initiatives, school infrastructure, health facilities and other development programmes across the country.

In many districts, local projects funded through CDF have become among the most visible examples of public investment. Government representatives frequently cite the programme as evidence of efforts to move development resources closer to communities.

Concerns over implementation, efficiency and long-term funding continue to surface in discussions surrounding some government programmes. Questions relating to economic conditions, household incomes and employment opportunities have also remained part of public discourse as political activity gathers momentum.

Beyond domestic programmes, the administration has devoted significant attention to economic reforms and engagement with international financial institutions. Debt restructuring efforts, investment promotion and measures aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability have featured prominently in official statements over the past several years.

Government supporters say these efforts have helped restore confidence in the country’s economic direction. Opposition parties maintain that many citizens remain focused on everyday economic pressures and want to see stronger improvements in living standards.

The approaching election is expected to place greater scrutiny on competing policy proposals. While government leaders continue to defend their record in office, opposition parties are under pressure to persuade voters that their own programmes would deliver better outcomes in areas such as employment, economic growth and public services.

As campaign activities intensify, discussions around education, local development funding, production targets, investment, household incomes and job creation are expected to feature prominently in political engagements across the country.

Government officials continue to cite free education, expanded CDF allocations, debt restructuring efforts and production goals as evidence of progress. Opposition parties continue to argue that economic challenges facing households require alternative solutions. Those competing positions are likely to remain at the centre of campaign messaging in the months ahead.