“WE WON’T BE AGAINST THE FORMATION OF AN ALLIANCE THEY ARE FREE TO FORM” Mweetwa

By Daily News Reporter

The opposition coalition, United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), is committed to fostering national unity in Zambia, which has struggled with division since gaining independence in 2964.

Jackson Silavwe, leader of the Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ), along with representatives from eight other opposition parties, highlighted the persistent divisions hindering Zambia's progress, which has not spared the church.

Silavwe told a media briefing, that historical grievances and socio-economic disparities which is more pronounced now has contributed to the divisions, posing significant challenges to the nation's stability and development.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach, including inclusive dialogue, targeted development projects, and proactive engagement, to address Zambia's post-independence challenges effectively.

Silavwe underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue to tackle exclusion, poverty, and social divisions, advocating for peaceful resolutions instead of resorting to militaristic approaches.

He said the opposition alliance has formulated a "Marshal Development Plan" aimed at addressing poverty and inequality in underdeveloped provinces, ensuring fair distribution of resources and opportunities.

Prioritizing tailored development initiatives is crucial to bridging regional gaps and fostering inclusive growth across Zambia.

Silavwe identified the unresolved Barotseland issue as a significant obstacle requiring immediate attention through respectful dialogue and, if necessary, external mediation.

Silavwe, while reading the statement co-signed by various party leaders including President Harry Kalaba of Citizens First, President Edith Nawakwi of Forum for Democracy and Development, President Jackson Silavwe of Golden Party of Zambia, President Saboi Imboela of National Democratic Congress, President Chishala Kateka of New Heritage Party, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu of Patriotic Front, and President Sakwiba Sikota of United Liberation Party, emphasized the urgent need to address deep divisions caused by exclusion, poverty, and deprivation.

Meanwhile Minister of Information and Media Mr. Cornelius Mweetwa welcomes the formation of the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) and that THE UPND Government will not stand on its wa way as long as they meet the legal requirements.

Mr. Mweetwa said that the formation of the alliance to show that they is freedom of democratic space in the country and that many are enjoying since the ascendance to power of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Alliance in 2021.

He was speaking this during a media briefing at his office where he disclosed that before they formed government, the environment was toxic for anyone to do what they are doing now.

He has further urged the opposition to state the true picture on the ground especially to the international community that the democratic space in the nation is what has been allowing them conduct Press briefing weekly.

He added that the alliance has done well to join hands as individually they are not a factor, and that it is the PF which has Members of Parliament (MP), Mayor's, Council Chairpersons and Councilors in the alliance.

"The opposition in the alliance excluding the Patriotic Front (PF) are not popular as I have more votes in the 2021 general elections and are not giving us sleepless nights," he stated.

He also noted that the PF has finally rebranded itself to UKA alliance as the real PF is tainted and none sellable brand but now hiding in the alliance.

He alleged that the other opposition political parties are being used by the PF without them realizing it.

He advised the opposition to stop the crusade of saying that the democratic space has shrank because there are speaking contrary to what is happening as evidenced by the peace they are enjoying.