Without economic control, political independence meaningless —Activist Mulenga

Chingola-based human rights activist, Eugene Mulenga, has criticized Zambia’s political independence, arguing that without economic control, the nation’s independence remains incomplete.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor on Thursday, Mulenga stated that Zambia would only achieve true independence when its citizens hold a majority stake in the economy, lamenting the current foreign dominance over key sectors.

“As a country, we can only claim to control about 20 percent of our resources, and less than 20 percent of our economy, leaving us vulnerable to foreign influence and pressure,” Mulenga said.

Reflecting on the significance of Zambia’s Independence Day, Mulenga questioned the purpose of celebrating political freedom when the country remained economically dependent.

“Our forefathers shed blood so we could own, control, and shape our future, but the opposite is happening. What is there to celebrate when we are slowly but surely re-colonizing ourselves to foreign powers?” Mulenga asked.

He further criticized the government for relinquishing control of land, minerals, and other strategic resources to foreign entities.

“What is there to celebrate when over 80 percent of our people live in poverty, and we are constantly begging for food?,” he said.

Mulenga expressed disappointment in the current generation, accusing it of failing to uphold the vision of Zambia’s freedom fighters due to selfishness, greed, and corruption.

Independence, he emphasized, should mean more than political freedom—it should also signify economic self-reliance and the empowerment of Zambians to control their own resources.

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