‘The Time to Talk Is Now’ – Binwell Mpundu Reaches Out to Hichilema for Peace

9 ViewsSenior Tonse Pamodzi Alliance figure Binwell Mpundu has made a direct appeal to President Hakainde Hichilema for dialogue, saying the time has come for political leaders to have an honest conversation about the direction of Zambia. Mpundu says Zambia’s politics have become “primitive and dirty” and warned that failure to act could pave the […]

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Senior Tonse Pamodzi Alliance figure Binwell Mpundu has made a direct appeal to President Hakainde Hichilema for dialogue, saying the time has come for political leaders to have an honest conversation about the direction of Zambia.

Mpundu says Zambia’s politics have become “primitive and dirty” and warned that failure to act could pave the way for further trouble.

In a message to his followers, Mpundu called on political leaders to put aside their differences, sit around the table and agree on what he described as a better path for the country.

“Let us sit on the table and agree on a better path for our country,” Mpundu said.

“The time to talk is now for tomorrow will be too late.”

He also called for political leaders and citizens to treat each other with respect and dignity, saying Zambia needed to return to a period when people felt safe and political leaders enjoyed the respect and support of citizens.

Mpundu then made a direct appeal to Hichilema, saying he was personally taking the first step towards reconciliation.

“I’m taking that first step, I’m reaching out to President HH for peace,” he said.

The appeal comes weeks after the August 13 general election, which was followed by heightened political tensions, disputes over the election outcome and the detention of several opposition figures.

Tonse Pamodzi presidential candidate Brian Mundubile rejected the presidential election result and said the alliance intended to pursue legal avenues to challenge the outcome.

Mpundu’s latest message therefore marks a significant shift towards dialogue from a senior figure within the opposition alliance.

He previously joined the Mundubile-led Tonse Alliance ahead of the 2026 elections and campaigned for a united opposition front against the UPND.

His latest appeal also comes after a particularly heated election campaign. In August, Mpundu attracted widespread criticism over remarks made ahead of polling, although he later apologised and disputed how his comments had been interpreted.

It remains to be seen whether his appeal will result in direct engagement with State House or develop into a broader dialogue between the government and the opposition.

For now, Mpundu has put the invitation on the table.

“Time has come to treat each other with respect and with dignity,” he said.