Lawmaker Kafwaya debunks President Hichilema’s claim to dialogue, cites imprisonment of opposition politicians

Lunte Patriotic Front (PF) lawmaker, Mutotwe Kafwaya, has questioned President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent call for political dialogue, citing continued arrests of opposition leaders under his administration.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Kafwaya claimed several opposition figures, including former Pambashe lawmaker, Ronald Chitotela, Kawambwa MP, Nickson Chilangwa, and Kabushi’s Bowman Lusambo, remained behind bars.

He added that Lumezi MP, Munir Zulu was recently jailed, joining former Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba and others already incarcerated.

“Why is he calling for dialogue when he is always with Chabinga, Mun’gandu, Chilufya, Lubusha, and others? Which opposition is he looking for beyond those? PF is in his pocket, NDC is destroyed, and DF is destroyed—what opposition is he referring to?” Kafwaya questioned.

He accused the President of attempting to use dialogue as a platform to legitimise his interactions with rebel MPs and consolidate political advantage.

Meanwhile, the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) has urged for inclusive and sustained political dialogue that encompasses all stakeholders.

CLRI Executive Director, Mundia Hakoola, stated that Zambia is at a critical juncture where the strength of its democracy depends on peace, issue-based politics, and adherence to the rule of law.

“We urge all political actors to engage in open, honest, and respectful dialogue that prioritizes national unity over personal or party ambition,” Hakoola said.

He called for the creation of formalized inter-party dialogue platforms where electoral reforms, campaign conduct, and the role of security institutions can be transparently addressed.

Hakoola further stressed that political alliances and coalitions must champion tolerance and peaceful competition, while youth, women, independent candidates, and first-time aspirants should be given equal opportunities to participate freely in the political process.

He urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Zambia Police Service, Human Rights Commission, the Church, civil society, and media to uphold neutrality and promote civic awareness and peaceful discourse.

“Political violence, disinformation, and hate speech have no place in our democracy. CLRI calls on all players to publicly commit to a peaceful electoral process through a nationally binding peace pledge,” Hakoola said.

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