By 
Political commentator and academic, Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa, has challenged Zambia’s opposition leaders to put aside their differences, unite, and stop relying on former President Edgar Lungu, whose current whereabouts remain unclear.
In a statement on Friday, Mwelwa expressed concern over the opposition’s apparent dependence on Mr. Lungu, saying it reflects a lack of direction and unity.
“Where is President Lungu? This is not asked with malice or disrespect, but with genuine concern. The nation does not know,” Mwelwa said.
He noted that while some whispers suggested the former president was receiving medical treatment in South Africa, there had been no official communication, leaving a vacuum filled with speculation and uncertainty.
“In this silence, the opposition stands still—waiting. But waiting for what?” he asked.
Mwelwa questioned whether opposition leaders had grown so divided and bitter that they now saw Lungu as the only unifying figure.
“Is it that they cannot agree among themselves and thus cling to the familiar shadow of his name? Are they hoping he alone still carries favor with the Zambian people?” he asked.
Drawing on history, he recalled how, in 1991, the founding members of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) set aside pride and chose Frederick Chiluba—a leader from outside their original ranks—because they understood that unity must come before ambition.
“Who will lead now?” Dr. Mwelwa asked. “Will it be Lungu again? Or will opposition leaders gather as equals, set aside their personal ambitions, and agree on a path forward?”
He warned that continued fragmentation among opposition parties could give the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) unchecked power.
“Will they allow this deadlock to continue, giving the UPND free reign to deepen its grip, to tighten laws like the Cyber Crimes Act, to silence voices, and to turn free citizens into fearful subjects?”
While economic indicators may show growth on paper, he argued that most Zambians feel the strain in their pockets, homes, and daily lives.
“Prices rise while hope falls. Citizens no longer live freely—every post, every statement carries risk. The Cyber Crimes Act hangs like a blade over every head, ready to fall on any who speak too loudly or too honestly.”
He added that whistleblowers, once champions of accountability, now operate in fear.
“And yet, the opposition plays games,” he said. “Nakachinda waits. Lubinda waits. Miles Sampa plays his hand. Fred M’membe dreams his Socialist dreams. Chishala Kateka holds her ground. Harry Kalaba speaks but stands alone. Sean Tembo calls meetings in the dark, but no one answers.”
Mwelwa urged opposition leaders to remember that no single party or leader can defeat UPND alone.
“This is not just about politics—it is about the future of Zambia. It is about whether our children will inherit freedom or fear,” he said.
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