Barbaric political harassment of Given Lubinda

By Daily Revelation Editor

The political harassment and abduction of Given Lubinda, the acting president of the Patriotic Front (PF), by supporters of the ruling UPND party in Kabwe district is a deeply troubling incident that highlights the prevailing tensions and political instability in Zambia. Such acts of violence and intimidation are a stark violation of democratic principles and human rights, and they threaten to undermine the country’s hard-earned progress toward peaceful political competition.

This brazen act of alleged political harassment not only endangers the safety and well-being of Given but also signals a dangerous trend of political intolerance that can erode the fabric of Zambia’s democracy. Political disputes and rivalries should be resolved through dialogue, legal processes, and democratic engagement, not through violence or coercion. The use of force or abduction as a tool to silence opposition voices is unacceptable and must be condemned by all stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society, and the international community. Given that the country will be going through general elections next year, we expect peace, tolerance, and accommodation of divergency views to occupy the political space of this country, and not violence.

The UPND should not emulate the PF’s era of political intimidation when they promised to govern the country differently. Alas, they are now behaving in the same manner. If Given Lubinda or any member of the PF has violated or committed any crime against UPND, why not take them to court? Why resort to political intimidation? This is cowardice of the highest order, and Zambians will not tolerate such political nonsense! Zambia is not for hooligans, and will never normalise political hooliganism. 

The incidence Kabwe calls for a swift and thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice. It also highlights the urgent need for political leaders and parties to promote a culture of tolerance, respect, and non-violence. Zambia’s democracy is built on the principles of pluralism and peaceful coexistence, and any attempt to undermine these must be met with firm action.

Furthermore, this event should serve as a wake-up call for the ruling UPND government to prioritize the safety of all political actors and to create an environment where political competition is conducted within the confines of the law. It is essential for Zambia’s future that political differences do not escalate into violence, and that justice is seen to be done in this case to restore public confidence.

Lubinda’s harassment is a condemnable act that threatens Zambia’s democratic integrity. It is imperative that all parties recommit to peaceful political engagement and that perpetrators are held accountable to prevent a recurrence of such disturbing incidents in the future. This political harassment  may seem simple isolated today, but once left unaddressed can escalate to full-blown violence that has the potential to affect not only next year’s general elections, but the country’s peace that we have enjoyed over the past sixty year. Yes, today is Given Lubinda, tomorrow will be another political figure, and this barbaric trend might extend to other non-politically inclined citizens. 

We won’t allow this barbarism to continue! We therefore call on the head of state, Hakainde Hichilema to prevail over his cadres, tame them, and restore citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms for which Zambia is known.