MAJOR cracks have emerged in the opposition Tonse Alliance with different statements from its absentee leader Edgar Lungu and spokesperson Sean Tembo.
In the latest drama that has engulfed the alliance, Lungu has through a statement posted on his Facebook page has demoted the outspoken Tembo, freezing his megaphone duties.
Lungu has also quashed the pending disciplinary hearing that Tembo had scheduled for the former president’s two loyalists, Given Lubinda and Raphael Nakacinda.
Despite Tembo maintaining stance at a press briefing this afternoon that Lungu had not appointed Lubinda as the acting alliance chairperson, Lungu states otherwise.
“In my absence, Hon. Given Lubinda, who is the PF Vice-President, will act for and on behalf of the Patriotic Front and myself as Tonse Alliance Chairperson, he will continue to garner more support from all other opposition political parties for the Tonse Alliance.”
“In this regard, all communiques will come through the acting Chairperson, Hon. Lubinda, and all members are reminded to respect the structure and integrity of the anchor party and the Tonse Alliance,” stated Lungu.
Lungu further accused Tembo of targeting Lubinda and Raphael Nakachinda in a disrespectful manner without his guidance.
He said the Tonse Alliance would be nothing without the PF and therefore, Tembo’s actions without his guidance were disrespectful.
“The Patriotic Front party is a member and anchor party of the Tonse Alliance, and if the party leaders are seen galvanizing other political parties, that does not mean the Alliance agreement is set aside.”
“Without PF, Tonse Alliance would not be as strong and feared by our opponents as it is. Tonse is strong because of the strength of PF, and it is for this reason the Alliance keeps attracting other partners as it has,” wrote Lungu.
He reiterated that Zambia needed a united opposition that will address the humongous challenges that Zambia is going through today.
“Let us not be distracted by minor differences or disagreements. Instead, let us deepen our collaboration, support one another, and guard the unity we have built.”
Lungu directed Nakacinda who is the PF faction secretary general to also immediately convene a Central Committee meeting that the former President said he would co-chair.
He said the challenges before Zambians demand the full attention of opposition leaders and that citizens were looking up to them not for conflict, but for leadership, compassion and solutions.
“To all members of the opposition, let this be our call to stand together not in competition, but in service to our great nation. When we respect each other, listen to each other, and stand side by side, we become the change our people are yearning for.”
“We may be tested, yes, but we are not falling. Our roots are deep. Our resolve is strong. And our path ahead is clear. Together, we believe. Together, we serve. Together, we will build the Zambia we all deserve,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Tembo held a press briefing this afternoon which was contrary to what his boss had said.
He said Lungu remained the Tonse Alliance chairperson even in his absence and that whatever his boss said was false, further accusing the ruling party of exploiting the news.
“This small misunderstanding within the ranks of the Tonse alliance was to a very large extent being exploited by the ruling party which were celebrating that we are in a state of confusion. There’s no confusion in Tonse. Treat all the headlines as falsehoods. We are intact. We have been in constant touch with his excellency, the headlines are false.”
“Dr Edgar Chapwa Lungu is the chairman of Tonse and professor Dan Pule is the vice chairman of the Tonse alliance. Nothing has changed and the status will remain as such until such a time that the council of leaders deliberates otherwise. Any communications for the Tonse is done through official communication to the alliance and the chairman’s Facebook page.”
When reached out for a comment over the conflicting statements between his boss and what he said at the presser, Tembo said he had not yet seen Lungu’s statement to make a comment.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, April 25, 2025
