Let’s guard Zambia’s democracy - Col Munamunungu

…says the stool of power belongs to the people and not an individual occupying the office, urges Zambians to protect democracy, keep the military out of politics and use the ballot—not bullets—to change governments

By NATION REPORTER

RETIRED Colonel Hamwiinde Munamunungu has urged Zambians to jealously guard the country’s democratic tradition, saying political power belongs to the people and must always be transferred peacefully through the ballot.

Col Munamunungu said Zambia’s peace and democratic stability should never be taken for granted, warning that hunger, corruption, greed and political intolerance could threaten the country if citizens abandoned democratic values.

Writing in a reflection on Zambia’s political journey, Col Munamunungu said his experience as a soldier had taught him that the ultimate responsibility for choosing leaders rested with ordinary citizens.

“The stool does not belong to a chief. It does not belong to a President. It does not belong to a soldier. It does not belong to a tribe. It belongs to the people,” he said.

Col Munamunungu said Zambia’s tradition of changing governments through elections was something that should be protected by every generation.

He urged citizens to continue using dialogue and elections to resolve political differences.

“Never let anyone tell you that talking is a waste of time. The palaver under the mango tree and the ballot box in Lusaka are the same thing. They are the people speaking,” he said.

“When you stop talking, you start fighting. When you stop voting, you resort to coups. Talk. Vote. Always.”

Col Munamunungu also warned that economic hardship could undermine national stability, urging Government to prioritise food security, employment and access to water.

“A soldier can defend a border. A soldier cannot defend a hungry nation,” he said.

“If the pot is empty, the government will fall, even if it has 10,000 soldiers. Feed the people first. Everything else comes second.”

He further called for greater protection of Zambia’s forests, saying environmental degradation posed a threat to agriculture and national food security.

“If we lose the forest, we lose the rain. If we lose the rain, we lose the maize. If we lose the maize, we lose Zambia,” he said.

The retired soldier also warned serving members of the defence forces against interfering in politics, urging them to remain loyal to the Constitution.

“My young soldiers, listen to me. Your oath is to the Constitution, not to a man,” he said.

The retired soldier said political leaders who failed should be removed through elections rather than military intervention.

“If a President fails, let the people remove him by ballot, not by bullet. If you take power by gun, you will never give it back by vote,” Col Munamunungu said.

He said Zambia’s record of avoiding military coups was a source of national pride that should be preserved.

“Zambia has never had a coup. Let it stay that way. That is our proudest record, prouder than any medal I ever wore,” he said.

Col Munamunungu said his generation had handed down independence and peace, but the responsibility of protecting Zambia’s future now rested with younger generations.

“Your generation must give Zambia something else: A Zambia where any child—from Mwinilunga or from Mongu, from Chipata or from Choma, boy or girl, rich or poor—can dream of taking the stool, and can do it peacefully, by talking, by voting, by serving.”

“Remember: The stool belongs to the people. We must continue loving Zambia, our country,” Col Munamunungu said.

ENDS