Caritas Zambia has indicated that the Tonse […]

Caritas Zambia has indicated that the Tonse Alliance should take responsibility for remarks made by its Finance Chairperson Mutotwe Kafwaya, saying political alliances are expected to speak with one voice rather than distancing themselves from senior officials when controversy arises.

The comment follows remarks by Kafwaya suggesting that Western Province did not deserve an international airport, prompting the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to accuse the Tonse Alliance of promoting discriminatory and divisive views and demanding an unconditional apology together with a public commitment to support infrastructure development in Barotseland.

The BRE further warned that failure by the Tonse Alliance to adequately address the matter would leave the traditional leadership with no option but to advise the people of Barotseland on how to engage with the opposition alliance ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Meanwhile, National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate, Brian Mundubile distanced both his party and the Tonse Alliance from Kafwaya’s remarks, saying they reflected his personal opinion, while assuring the BRE that the Alliance supports the upgrading of airports in Mongu and Kalabo and remains committed to equitable development across the country.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Caritas Zambia Executive Director, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga said Kafwaya’s comments were unfortunate because they created the impression that Western Province was undeserving of development despite its vast economic potential.

“I don’t think he meant to undermine the region in any way, but he was not very careful in the way he talked, and that’s why it was understood like that by the Barotse Royal Establishment, and they are right to be upset because it was like undermining a region,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

He explained that development should never be judged only by visible economic activity because every region possesses unique resources and opportunities that justify investment in critical infrastructure such as airports.

Meanwhile, Fr. Mapulanga cautioned politicians to exercise greater discipline during the campaign period, saying careless statements can easily damage relationships with communities and overshadow policy messages.

Article by Philip Sinkala