The controversy between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the government regarding the death, funeral, and repatriation arrangements for former president Edgar Lungu should teach all of us especially those in positions of power big lessons.
The PF are accusing the government of mistreating their former leader, whom on several occasions was denied to travel outside the country for medical treatment. It is a fact that the government knew about Edgar’s ill-health and that he required medical attention abroad. However, denying Edgar the right to seek medical treatment abroad bears a profound ethical, legal, and democratic concern. Such restrictions not only infringed on Edgar’s rights and freedoms but also undermine the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity that are fundamental to democratic societies including Zambia.
From a human rights perspective, access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right that should not be arbitrarily restricted based on political differences. Denying Edgar, the opportunity to seek necessary medical treatment in South Africa, can potentially be said to have contributed to worsening his health condition, and endangered his life. This action was unacceptable and should not be repeated under any circumstances in future – because when political ill- motives influence health-related decisions, it raises serious questions about the politicization of healthcare and the potential use of health as a tool for repression.
Government’s arbitrary and discriminatory restrictions on Edgar set dangerous precedents, encouraging further abuses of power and diminishing the rule of law.
Politically, these actions have contributed to deepening divisions in this country, and foster a climate of fear, and mistrust – and diminish the legitimacy of the UPND government. The UPND government can do better by upholding the rights of all citizens, including political opponents – to seek appropriate medical care without undue interference. Respecting the health of everyone regardless of political differences not only aligns with ethical standards but also reinforces the legitimacy and integrity of democratic governance.
In the same vein, we wish to condemn the manner in which the PF in a way contributed to ill-health and subsequent death of Edgar. First of all, the PF especially those in positions of influence within the party structures and political alliances cannot tell the Zambian people that they did not know that Edgar was unwell, and probably unfit to run for presidency again.
Unfortunately, Zambians witnessed an extremely troubling and potentially pathetic trend where PF supporters, especially those in positions of influence – driven by personal political agenda and interests, pressured an ailing Edgar to continue pursuing the highest office in the land. This phenomenon reflected a dangerous culture that prioritises political ambitions over Edgar’s health, well-being and ethical considerations.
Pushing an already sick Edgar to pursue politics even after retiring endangered his health and also compromised his integrity. Had Edgar not been pushed and stressed politically by the PF cadres, probably his life would have been prolonged. We believe there was no leadership vacuum in PF for them to continue pushing Edgar into politics, as if he was the only one who could lead the PF. That was evil, and potentially contributed to his untimely death. There a lot of people in PF who could have assumed the party presidency. Leaders should be chosen based on their capacity to serve effectively, not on the relentless demands of cadres or political machinations. The PF behaviour fostered a toxic environment where Edgar’s health and dignity were sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.
Moreover, this behaviour raises serious questions about the values guiding PF political culture. It underscores a disregard for compassion, responsibility, and respect for individual limits. We condemn this ugly political culture, and we demand that political parties foster a political environment that respects personal boundaries and recognizes that true leadership requires strength, clarity, and sound health – not just ambition and blind loyalty.
It is essential therefore for all political parties and their cadres to promote a culture of integrity, empathy, and respect for human limitations. Leaders should be celebrated for their service and resilience, not coerced into campaigns that may jeopardize their health. Only then shall Zambia build a political landscape rooted in genuine service and respect for human dignity.
By Daily Revelation Editor
The controversy between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the government regarding the death, funeral, and repatriation arrangements for former president Edgar Lungu should teach all of us especially those in positions of power big lessons.
The PF are accusing the government of mistreating their former leader, whom on several occasions was denied to travel outside the country for medical treatment. It is a fact that the government knew about Edgar’s ill-health and that he required medical attention abroad. However, denying Edgar the right to seek medical treatment abroad bears a profound ethical, legal, and democratic concern. Such restrictions not only infringed on Edgar’s rights and freedoms but also undermine the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity that are fundamental to democratic societies including Zambia.
From a human rights perspective, access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right that should not be arbitrarily restricted based on political differences. Denying Edgar, the opportunity to seek necessary medical treatment in South Africa, can potentially be said to have contributed to worsening his health condition, and endangered his life. This action was unacceptable and should not be repeated under any circumstances in future – because when political ill- motives influence health-related decisions, it raises serious questions about the politicization of healthcare and the potential use of health as a tool for repression.
Government’s arbitrary and discriminatory restrictions on Edgar set dangerous precedents, encouraging further abuses of power and diminishing the rule of law.
Politically, these actions have contributed to deepening divisions in this country, and foster a climate of fear, and mistrust – and diminish the legitimacy of the UPND government. The UPND government can do better by upholding the rights of all citizens, including political opponents – to seek appropriate medical care without undue interference. Respecting the health of everyone regardless of political differences not only aligns with ethical standards but also reinforces the legitimacy and integrity of democratic governance.
In the same vein, we wish to condemn the manner in which the PF in a way contributed to ill-health and subsequent death of Edgar. First of all, the PF especially those in positions of influence within the party structures and political alliances cannot tell the Zambian people that they did not know that Edgar was unwell, and probably unfit to run for presidency again.
Unfortunately, Zambians witnessed an extremely troubling and potentially pathetic trend where PF supporters, especially those in positions of influence – driven by personal political agenda and interests, pressured an ailing Edgar to continue pursuing the highest office in the land. This phenomenon reflected a dangerous culture that prioritises political ambitions over Edgar’s health, well-being and ethical considerations.
Pushing an already sick Edgar to pursue politics even after retiring endangered his health and also compromised his integrity. Had Edgar not been pushed and stressed politically by the PF cadres, probably his life would have been prolonged. We believe there was no leadership vacuum in PF for them to continue pushing Edgar into politics, as if he was the only one who could lead the PF. That was evil, and potentially contributed to his untimely death. There a lot of people in PF who could have assumed the party presidency. Leaders should be chosen based on their capacity to serve effectively, not on the relentless demands of cadres or political machinations. The PF behaviour fostered a toxic environment where Edgar’s health and dignity were sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.
Moreover, this behaviour raises serious questions about the values guiding PF political culture. It underscores a disregard for compassion, responsibility, and respect for individual limits. We condemn this ugly political culture, and we demand that political parties foster a political environment that respects personal boundaries and recognizes that true leadership requires strength, clarity, and sound health – not just ambition and blind loyalty.
It is essential therefore for all political parties and their cadres to promote a culture of integrity, empathy, and respect for human limitations. Leaders should be celebrated for their service and resilience, not coerced into campaigns that may jeopardize their health. Only then shall Zambia build a political landscape rooted in genuine service and respect for human dignity.
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