By Angela Moonga
The People’s Pact says the recent remarks by President Hakainde Hichilema in Choma represent a fundamental betrayal of the national unity he swore to uphold.
Socialist Party/People’s Pact general secretary Dr Cosmas Musumali stated that the Presidential remarks violated the foundational principle of equal citizenship for all Zambians.
In a media statement, Thursday, Dr Musumali stated that the Head of State, as the nation’s unifying symbol, must never use language that legitimises ethnic division.
He warned that such rhetoric from the highest office dangerously erodes the cherished “One Zambia, One Nation” philosophy.
The People’s Pact says the president has an immediate moral duty to issue an unconditional public apology and formally withdraw the statements.
Dr Musumali highlighted the bloody precedents across Africa, where tribal politicking from leaders led to catastrophic violence.
He contended the remarks breached the constitutional oath and raised serious questions regarding the president’s fitness for office.
The People’s Pact says normalising this discourse poisons the country’s political culture and threatens long-term stability.
Dr Musumali called for national solidarity, stating that citizens must reject this dangerous departure from the national ethos.
He argued that any apology must be explicit and acknowledge the specific harm caused, not merely express regret.
The People’s Pact says the incident forces a reckoning with the President’s moral authority to lead all Zambians.
Dr Musumali urged civil society, faith groups, and all citizens to defend the nation’s cohesive fabric.
”Our collective silence in the face of such divisiveness would be a dereliction of duty to our nation and to future generations,” he affirmed.
