Rights activist, Changala, demands full disclosure from Sampa on UPND’s role in PF internal squabbles

Civil rights activist, Brebnar Changala, has called on Matero Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa, to publicly disclose the ruling United Party for National Development’s (UPND) alleged role in destabilising the opposition Patriotic Front (PF).

Changala said that following Sampa’s reconciliation with former President Edgar Lungu, he now owes an explanation not only to his followers but also to Lungu’s supporters, to prevent a recurrence of such political turmoil.

Speaking in an interview with Zambia Monitor following the May 1, 2025 reconciliation ceremony at the PF Secretariat in Lusaka, Changala welcomed the move but said it must be accompanied by transparency and reflection.

“There is need for transparency and accountability in politics, and the need to protect Zambia’s constitutional democracy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) Executive Director, Arthur Muyunda, urged the PF to extend the spirit of reconciliation to Mafinga Member of Parliament, Robert Chabinga, who claims to be the legitimate party president.

“As we commend this move, we also encourage the party to engage Hon. Chabinga to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing the former ruling party,” Muyunda said.

Read More: Sampa endorses Lungu for 2026 presidency, confirms Zambia Monitor’s reports on moves to unite PF factions

He praised the reconciliation between Lungu and Sampa as a vital step towards strengthening the opposition’s ability to provide effective checks and balances.

“Political parties should put the interests of Zambians first, not personal ambitions. There are lessons for other political formations to learn from PF’s internal struggles,” Muyunda said.

University of Zambia lecturer in the Department of Historical and Archaeological Studies, Professor Bizeck Phiri, also welcomed the unity move, warning that further divisions could risk the PF’s political survival.

“The reconciliation is a positive step. The party now needs to unite behind a sellable candidate for the 2026 general election. Only then can the PF contest effectively,” he said.

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