Another political party, RP formed

…declares that Zambia should reclaim control of its mineral wealth and place economic power back into the hands of its citizens

By HOPE MUSONDA

ANOTHER political party, the Resolute Party (RP) has been formed with a declaration that the country should reclaim control of its mineral wealth and place economic power back into the hands of its citizens.
The RP has been formed by Martin Phiri and has vowed to defend the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that Zambians benefit directly from their land, minerals, and national resources.
“Zambia is rich, yet our people are poor. That contradiction must end. The UPND government has stabilised the economy and increased foreign reserves to about US$5 billion but that Zambia has remained exposed to global economic shocks because less than five percent of the reserves are held in gold reserves, despite the country’s vast mineral endowment,” Mr Phiri said.
“With global economic shifts and Brazil, Russia India, China and South Africa (BRICS) reshaping the world economic order, Zambia’s reserves can dwindle overnight if we do not anchor them in real assets like gold,” he said.
Mr Phiri said the RP in government would establish citizen-led mining cooperatives, starting with gold mining, to enable Zambians to participate legally and meaningfully in the sector.
“We will train our people, equip them and provide a guaranteed market, by purchasing gold at competitive prices. Mining must benefit the citizens first,” Mr Phiri said.
He said under his leadership, the country’s cooperative model would be extended to other minerals and agriculture, creating an inclusive economic growth and employment.
Mr Phiri criticised the country’s limited participation in global capital markets, saying that part of national reserves under his leadership would be strategically invested in global stock markets to grow them sustainably.
“A stronger Kwacha means cheaper imports and real relief for our people. This is how we fight poverty.
The mining sector contributes far too little to the national budget due to tax incentives and weak enforcement. Under my leadership, unfair concessions to multinational corporations will have to come to an end,” he said.
Turning to agriculture, Mr Phiri said the Resolute Party would diversify farming by promoting livestock rearing, avocado plantations and year-round production, particularly among small-scale farmers.
He also pledged to reform the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) so that farmers can sell produce throughout the year, including crops grown outside the rainy season.
He criticised the continued recycling of political leadership, saying Zambia’s youthful population deserved leaders who reflected their aspirations.
“Over 60 percent of our people are below the age of 35. The youth have the numbers and the ballot power to change Zambia in 2026,” Mr Phiri said.