Khama just said what Zambians fear to say’- Fr Mwango

…says Zambians should be thanking Gen Khama for speaking on their behalf on the state of Zambia’s democracy, as the Catholic priest urges President Hichilema to self-examine rather than dismiss the criticism

By NATION REPORTER

FORMER Botswana President General Ian Seretse Khama has just said what Zambians are scared of saying by characterizing President Hakainde Hichilema as Africa’s newest dictator and Zambians should therefore thank him for speaking on their behalf, a Zambian Catholic priest based in Rome has said.

Father Martin Mwango says most Zambians, including opposition political leaders are so scared to speak to power the truth because they fear getting arrested, charged with sedition and thrown into prison without facing court.

Fr Mwango has pleaded with President Hichilema to use Gen Khama’s description of him as “Africa’s newest dictator” as an opportunity for serious self-examination rather than dismissing the criticism.

Fr Mwango said the remarks by Lieutenant Gen should prompt President Hichilema to reflect on concerns about his leadership style that had been raised since the UPND came to power in 2021.

He said Government should not be quick to attack Lt Gen Khama, who is a former commander of the Botswana Defence Force, over his criticism of President Hichilema.

“Seretse Ian Khama has just said what Zambians fear to say.  The statement that President Hichilema is Africa’s newest dictator should be seen as a call for self-examination of conscience before we throw stones at him. Concerns about dictatorial tendencies emerged soon after the 2021 elections and should not simply be dismissed because they have now been raised by a former head of State from a neighbouring country,” Fr Mwango said.

Fr Mwango cited remarks attributed to late Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu in February 2024, in which the former Catholic Church leader allegedly described President Hichilema as a “one-man dictator who does not listen to anyone”.

“The Catholic Church saw it coming,” Fr Mwango said, referring to concerns he said had previously been raised about the Government.

He urged Zambians to avoid hypocrisy by attacking Lt Gen Khama instead of reflecting on the substance of his criticism.

“HH (Hakainde Hichilema) should come out himself and prove the world wrong. It should be him talking, not leaving cadres to respond to a high-profile personality like Lt Gen Khama,” Fr Mwango said.

He said the events surrounding the August 13 general election, which involved the deployment of arms and commandos, should further encourage reflection on the former Botswana President’s remarks.

“For the first time in the history of Zambian general elections, Zambians were subjected to arms and commandos, and today, if we hear that statement from former military personnel, we should stop and reflect before we worsen things,” Fr Mwango said.

Fr Mwango said Lt Gen Khama’s military background made his remarks particularly significant and urged President Hichilema to address the concerns directly rather than allow political supporters to respond on his behalf.

ENDS