18/06/2024
*Former President Edgar Lungu Vindicated by Renowned Pan-Africanist*
Lusaka, 18 June, 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan constitutional lawyer and Pan-Africanist, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, has offered praise for former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu's tenure, contrasting it sharply with the current administration of President Hakainde Hichilema. The comments were made during a radio show in Kenya focused on "Democracy in Africa," monitored by News24.
Professor Lumumba, who had previously been a vocal critic of Lungu's leadership, stated, "Everyone can now see that former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a democrat and that Hichilema is a dictator." This marks a significant shift from his earlier stance, where he described Lungu as "intolerant, paranoid, and a demagogue" in September 2020.
The Kenyan lawyer's remarks come in light of recent developments in Zambia, where the police have been accused of blocking opposition rallies and preventing non-UPND political leaders from attending church services. The situation escalated with the reported armed invasion of a Catholic Church office in Kabwe, allegedly to search for President Lungu.
Prof. Lumumba concluded, "It is very clear that Hichilema was all the time pretending to be a democrat."
President Lungu, reflecting on Lumumba's latest remarks, expressed a sense of vindication.
"When foreign scholars who at some point criticized you begin to appreciate your efforts on democracy promotion against the person they once deemed better, then it means that their feedback is morally noble and politically sincere," President Lungu stated.
He emphasized that Lumumba's change of heart highlights the perceived regression in Zambia's democratic practices under Hichilema's UPND regime.
President Lungu noted that when those who once praised Hichilema as "the hope and light of Zambia" now describe him as "the worst dictator since Zambia’s independence," it is a call for the President to reflect and reassess his approach to governance.
President Lungu also addressed the broader implications of Lumumba's criticism, citing regional concerns. He mentioned that neighboring Zimbabwe now feels insecure about Zambia due to what he described as wrong political leadership and foreign policies emanating from Lusaka.
Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, President Lungu urged Zambians to prioritize the restoration of democracy and good neighborliness. He called for Hichilema to heed the concerns of his former allies and critics alike, including Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, Bflow, Laura Miti, Brebner Changala, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, and Professor Lumumba.
"President Hichilema must listen to 'his former allies' and tone down on his authoritarian and law-fare politics. He is speedily losing stakeholders' trust and public confidence both at home and abroad," President Lungu warned.
In closing, President Lungu reiterated his satisfaction at being recognized for his democratic leadership, contrasting it with what he perceives as the current administration's failure to uphold similar values.
"I am happy to learn that many stakeholders at home and abroad now appreciate the fact that I was by far a democratic leader who meant well for Zambia than President HH who repeatedly promised to rule democratically better than me but has delivered and shown 'the worst despotic politics so far.'"
https://www.facebook.com/100064778046109/posts/919245106911416/?mibextid=cr9u03
Former President Edgar Lungu Vindicated by Renowned Pan-Africanist
Lusaka, 18 June, 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan constitutional lawyer and Pan-Africanist, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, has offered praise for former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu's tenure, contrasting it sharply with the current administration of President Hakainde Hichilema. The comments were made during a radio show in Kenya focused on "Democracy in Africa," monitored by News24.
Professor Lumumba, who had previously been a vocal critic of Lungu's leadership, stated, "Everyone can now see that former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a democrat and that Hichilema is a dictator." This marks a significant shift from his earlier stance, where he described Lungu as "intolerant, paranoid, and a demagogue" in September 2020.
The Kenyan lawyer's remarks come in light of recent developments in Zambia, where the police have been accused of blocking opposition rallies and preventing non-UPND political leaders from attending church services. The situation escalated with the reported armed invasion of a Catholic Church office in Kabwe, allegedly to search for President Lungu.
Prof. Lumumba concluded, "It is very clear that Hichilema was all the time pretending to be a democrat."
President Lungu, reflecting on Lumumba's latest remarks, expressed a sense of vindication.
"When foreign scholars who at some point criticized you begin to appreciate your efforts on democracy promotion against the person they once deemed better, then it means that their feedback is morally noble and politically sincere," President Lungu stated.
He emphasized that Lumumba's change of heart highlights the perceived regression in Zambia's democratic practices under Hichilema's UPND regime.
President Lungu noted that when those who once praised Hichilema as "the hope and light of Zambia" now describe him as "the worst dictator since Zambia’s independence," it is a call for the President to reflect and reassess his approach to governance.
President Lungu also addressed the broader implications of Lumumba's criticism, citing regional concerns. He mentioned that neighboring Zimbabwe now feels insecure about Zambia due to what he described as wrong political leadership and foreign policies emanating from Lusaka.
Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, President Lungu urged Zambians to prioritize the restoration of democracy and good neighborliness. He called for Hichilema to heed the concerns of his former allies and critics alike, including Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, Bflow, Laura Miti, Brebner Changala, Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, and Professor Lumumba.
"President Hichilema must listen to 'his former allies' and tone down on his authoritarian and law-fare politics. He is speedily losing stakeholders' trust and public confidence both at home and abroad," President Lungu warned.
In closing, President Lungu reiterated his satisfaction at being recognized for his democratic leadership, contrasting it with what he perceives as the current administration's failure to uphold similar values.
"I am happy to learn that many stakeholders at home and abroad now appreciate the fact that I was by far a democratic leader who meant well for Zambia than President HH who repeatedly promised to rule democratically better than me but has delivered and shown 'the worst despotic politics so far.'"
