Africa-Press – Zambia. Socialist President Fred M’membe has called for a more respectful and democratic approach to political discourse. In a statement, M’membe criticized the use of “uncouth” and “seriously lacking in civility” language by some members of the United Party for National Development (UPND), particularly towards former President Edgar Lungu.
M’membe, who has himself been a victim of political persecution under the Lungu regime, argued that Hichilema and other opposition leaders should still respect Lungu’s human, constitutional, and legal rights, despite any personal animosity they may feel towards him. He pointed to the Christian teaching of loving one’s enemies as a model for how politicians should behave towards those they disagree with.
“There is no doubt that Mr Hakainde Hichilema and many in the UPND have very good reasons to detest or even hate Mr Edgar Lungu. They were badly treated and brutalised by him and his regime. Mr Lungu was cruel to his opponents, to those who were not with him. I was a victim of his cruelty and that of his league. It’s not easy to forget such things and forgive,” M’membe said in his statement.
However, M’membe stressed that even in the face of such mistreatment, it is important to remember that all individuals have basic human rights that must be respected. “Mr Hichilema may harbour a lot of hatred and anger towards Mr Lungu and he is entitled to. But Mr Lungu is still a human being with human, constitutional, and legal rights,” he said.
M’membe went on to argue that the use of disrespectful language towards political opponents is “contrary to Christian teachings, liberal democratic values, and the rule of law.” He called for a more respectful and civil approach to political discourse, even when dealing with those who may be seen as enemies.
“To love our enemies we must have them in the first place. It’s very easy to love your friends and it doesn’t need much effort. What’s difficult is to love your enemies and that requires much effort, much humanity,” M’membe said.
“Let Mr Lungu enjoy his rights to the full as long as he acts within the law. If the law allows him to stand in 2026 let him do so, and defeat him at the polls, ‘ he concluded
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