By Agness Changala
PF member Brian Hapunda says he finds it morally challenging to continue being a member of the Party following former president Edgar Lungu’s return to active politics.
And Hapunda who served as diplomat in Brussels under the Lungu administration, says it is disheartening that expressing personal views contrary to the return of president Lungu to active politics, is seen as rebellion rather than constructive critique.
In a resignation letter dated November 16, 2023, addressed to party secretary general and seen by Daily Revelation Newspaper, Hapunda cited lack of effective leadership and clear political direction within the party for his resignation.
“The presence of two power factions, PF1 led by former president Edgar Lungu and PF 2 led by Honourable Miles Sampa, has resulted in disunity and a lack of cohesion,” read the letter in part.
He also cited the failure by the party to organise an elective convention and undertake a rebranding process following the loss of power to the UPND in 2021 elections.
Hapunda further stated that failure to adapt and rejuvenate has hindered the party’s ability to regain relevance and public trust, including insufficient intra party democracy and a tendency to dismiss dissenting opinions.
“It is disheartening that expressing personal views contrary to the return of president Lungu to active politics is seen as rebellion rather than constructive critique,” Hapunda said. “Given president Lungu’s confirmed return to active politics and subsequent return to lead the PF, provided proper procedures are followed, I find it morally challenging to remain within a party whose course I had previously opposed. The reasons for dissent were expressed in the interview published in the Diggers Newspapers on Tuesday October 3rd, 2023. I hope that future PF leaders will give due consideration to diverse perspectives for the wellbeing of the party.”
He expressed his appreciation to Lungu for the opportunity to serve him and the nation in the Foreign Service as a diplomat.
“Further I extend my best wishes to the Patriotic Front party for its future endeavours,” stated Hapunda.
