BARNABAS ZULU
CITIZENS First (CF) leader Harry Kalaba has condemned the United Party for National Development (UPND) government over the recent Mufumbwe shootings, saying any regime that wages war against its own people is a failed one.
Mr Kalaba said the government’s decision to unleash law enforcement officers on illegal miners in Mufumbwe, North-Western Province—resulting in injuries and deaths—will haunt the UPND administration in the 2026 general elections.
“I wish to address a matter of grave concern that has happened in the last few days in Mufumbwe, North-Western Province,” he said in a statement. “The reported shooting, beating and injuring of citizens who were merely trying to survive is highly unfortunate and regrettable.”
Mr Kalaba said a government that cares for its citizens must put their interests first, not just focus on mining revenue.
“Realizing mining revenue is not a bad thing,” he said, “but we must ensure those resources are tailored to benefit the citizens, not politicians or foreigners.”
He condemned the reported use of deadly force, saying that whether the number of victims was two, fifteen or twenty-two, the loss of life was unacceptable.
Mr Kalaba emphasised that the core mandate of any government is to protect its citizens.
“Any government that wages war against its citizens is a failed government. Unfortunately, that is the state of the UPND administration. It’s a government that cannot resolve anything without threats or inflicting pain on innocent citizens,” he charged.
He cited previous gold rushes under the UPND government—such as in Kanyelele in Mpika and Kasenseli in Mwinilunga—saying the approach had always been heavy-handed.
“The question is, in whose interest are they displacing the citizens?” Mr Kalaba asked. “The Zambians must be the ultimate beneficiaries of these resources.” He criticised the UPND for failing to provide a clear framework for mineral extraction.
Mr Kalaba said his party would adopt a more citizen-centered policy.
“The Citizens First government will implement an inclusive precious mineral policy to ensure that citizens are equal participants in mineral extraction,” he pledged. “We must regard citizens as partners in development. You cannot solve the issue of illegal mining by opening fire on innocent citizens who are trying to survive.”
