Tonse voices turn to dialogue as diaspora rift emerges

🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Tonse voices turn to dialogue as diaspora rift emerges Signs of disagreement are emerging within Zambia’s opposition over how to respond to the political tensions that have followed the August election, with some figures inside the country calling for dialogue while prominent supporters abroad continue to push a more confrontational campaign. Former […]

🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Tonse voices turn to dialogue as diaspora rift emerges

Signs of disagreement are emerging within Zambia’s opposition over how to respond to the political tensions that have followed the August election, with some figures inside the country calling for dialogue while prominent supporters abroad continue to push a more confrontational campaign.

Former MP Binwell Mpundu, who did not contest the August election and whose whereabouts have not been publicly established, added his voice to calls for talks on Tuesday. Sharing an old photograph of himself with military officers from his time in public office, Mpundu suggested relations between citizens and the military had deteriorated.

“Let us go back to the days when we felt safe with these men, when they had our full respect and support,” he wrote. “Our politics has become primitive and dirty and if we do not act now and act right we are paving way for trouble.”

His remarks follow Monday’s statement by the Zambia Army rejecting attempts to draw it into partisan politics. Opposition supporters have accused the military of becoming politically aligned with the government, particularly following its deployment during the election and other security operations.

The Army rejects this characterisation, saying: “The Zambia Army will not be drawn into partisan political discourse. Its allegiance remains to the Republic of Zambia and its people.”

Mpundu’s message, however, went beyond criticism of the military. “Let us sit on the table and agree on a better path for our country,” he said.

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

He then addressed President Hakainde Hichilema directly: “I’m taking that first step, I’m reaching out to President HH for peace.”

The appeal comes as The People’s Brief understands that figures associated with the Tonse Alliance are exploring ways of opening dialogue with Hichilema’s government following the detention of senior opposition leaders. Sources familiar with discussions say one difficulty is finding an intermediary acceptable to both sides, with divisions and perceptions of political alignment among church bodies complicating efforts to use the Church as a bridge.

No formal talks with State House have been confirmed.

A separate dispute is also developing between opposition figures inside Zambia and supporters abroad. Former Lumezi MP Munir Zulu criticised diaspora activists on Monday, accusing some of spreading tribalism, hatred and misinformation while trying to direct political strategy from outside the country

“It is sad that amongst those that pretend or project themselves to support our organisation are the first people to spread hate messages, tribalism,” Zulu said. “They are not here.”

The criticism appears directed at a wider online opposition network which became influential during the election campaign. Among its most prominent voices is former ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, who has been living in the United States and has repeatedly called for resistance to what he describes as political repression in Zambia, including efforts to mobilise public demonstrations.

Those calls have so far not produced significant street protests inside Zambia.

The emerging picture is not necessarily a formal split within Tonse, but a difference over strategy. Some diaspora voices continue to advocate sustained pressure on the government, while figures inside Zambia are increasingly speaking about dialogue, restraint and engagement.

Mpundu captured the change most clearly: “Time has come to treat each other with respect and with dignity.”

For Tonse, the question now is whether these statements remain individual appeals or develop into a coordinated attempt to engage Hichilema. The opposition remains under pressure following its election defeat and the detention of some senior figures.

What is becoming clearer is a widening distance between the politics being conducted online from abroad and the choices being considered by opposition figures living with the consequences at home.

-The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu