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The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says Zambia must remain governed by the rule of law, with Government, opposition parties, workers, employers and ordinary citizens respecting the rights and dignity of others.
ZCTU president, Blake Mulala, said political differences should not be allowed to divide or destroy the country, stressing that peace and unity must be protected as Zambia enters a new five-year governance period.
Mulala said this during the third ZCTU media briefing for 2026 in Lusaka on Thursday, held under the theme “Putting Workers at the Centre of National Development: Promoting Inclusive Governance, Decent Work and Respect for the Rule of Law.”
He said the labour movement was addressing five major issues, including parliamentary proportional representation, Cabinet appointments, the role of workers in the Grow Zambia Agenda, the rule of law and employers’ compliance with labour laws.
“ZCTU remains a strong advocate of the rule of law, democracy, constitutionalism and human rights. These principles must apply equally to everyone. Whether one belongs to the ruling party, an opposition political party or no political party at all, one’s rights must be respected,” Mulala stated.
He expressed concern about the level of abusive language, insults and personal attacks, particularly on social media platforms, noting that freedom of expression was fundamental but must be exercised responsibly.
Mulala appealed to political leaders and young people to exercise restraint in political discourse, saying politicians could disagree without insulting each other and criticise Government without attacking individuals.
“We can criticise the opposition without abusing people. ZCTU is concerned when disagreement degenerates into insults, harassment or threats, stressing that every Zambian matters and everyone’s dignity and lawful rights must be protected,” he said.
Mulala also called on law enforcement agencies to remain professional and impartial, respect due process and enforce the law fairly.
He said those suspected of breaking the law should be dealt with according to the law, irrespective of their political affiliation or social status.
Mulala said the 2026 General Elections were behind the country and that it was time to move away from perpetual politicking towards national healing, reconciliation and development.
“Zambia was the only country its citizens have. We cannot afford to allow political differences to undermine the peace and unity our country has enjoyed,” he stated.
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He called on Government, as the administration entrusted with state authority, to foster an environment conducive to dialogue, tolerance and national unity, while urging opposition leaders to exercise their democratic rights responsibly and peacefully.
Mulala urged an end to divisive politics, political hooliganism, violence and intimidation, as well as politics based on hatred and personal attacks.
He emphasised that political interests should never become bigger than the national interest, saying Zambians could belong to different political parties but remain one people and one Zambia.
“ZCTU welcomes the mixed-member proportional representation system for women, youths and persons with disabilities, supports Cabinet appointments based on competence and integrity, and insists there can be no Grow Zambia Agenda without workers,” Mulala added.
He also commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for proactive labour inspections but warned some private-sector employers, including some private schools in Lusaka, against frustrating workers’ freedom of association, collective bargaining and right to organise.
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