Predictably, M’membe unveiled as People’s Pact presidential candidate

Socialist Party (SP) President Fred M’membe has been unveiled as the People’s Pact presidential candidate, with a renewed call for Zambia to reclaim ownership and control of its mineral resources.

M’membe, speaking in Kitwe on Friday during his formal introduction as the Pact’s preferred candidate, said Zambians were not benefiting from the country’s mineral wealth despite the global boom in commodity prices.

“Zambians need to own mineral resources for the country to reclaim its lost dignity and social justice,” he said.

The event was attended by People’s Pact vice presidents Professor Naison Ngoma and former Commerce Minister Bob Sichinga.

M’membe argued that Zambia’s minerals must first and foremost benefit its citizens rather than foreign companies, insisting that the time had come for the nation to demand full control of its natural wealth.

He urged government to empower Zambians—especially small-scale miners—to participate meaningfully in mining, while the state takes on a supervisory and regulatory role to ensure national benefit.

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He warned that without ownership and control of resources, true development would remain out of reach.
M’membe added that achieving economic sovereignty required unity of purpose, calling on political and civic leaders to put Zambia first.

He said the current national situation was “deeply painful and humiliating”, stressing that the country must urgently work to restore its dignity.

Sichinga questioned the sale of Mopani Copper Mines and demanded transparency regarding the proceeds.

He said the People’s Pact position on mineral ownership was uncompromising: Zambia’s resources must benefit the people, not a small elite or foreign entities.

Professor Ngoma said the Copperbelt Province was “economically on its knees” and urged leaders to unite around a national rescue agenda to rebuild the economy.

SP vice president Cosmas Musumali said the country was at a defining moment.

“The country is at crossroads. Change must happen. From the People’s Pact, we already have a flag bearer—Fred M’membe,” Musumali said.

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