Zambia’s Crisis Deepens

...Kalaba Urges Nationwide Reform for a Brighter Future

By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia  – (21-01-2025) - Opposition party Citizens First has called for immediate national reform, urging Zambians to unite and oust the current government amid the escalating crises facing the country.

Harry Kalaba, party president, told journalists at a media briefing that the government's failure to tackle rising living costs, power shortages, and food insecurity were key sources of public frustration.

He stressed that 2025 is a crucial year for Zambia, as citizens increasingly express dissatisfaction with the government’s inability to resolve critical national issues.

"Enough is enough," Kalaba declared, advocating for a democratic, citizen-centered government that aligns with the people’s aspirations.

One of Kalaba's main critiques centered on the government's foreign diplomacy. As a former foreign minister, he expressed concern over the selection of heads of mission and their deputies, accusing the government of appointing individuals based on political affiliations rather than merit.

He argued that this practice undermines Zambia's credibility internationally, particularly with the United States, and diverts the country from its historically neutral, non-aligned foreign policy.

Turning to economic issues, Kalaba criticized the administration’s management of the economy, particularly the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

He accused the ZRA of mismanaging tax policies, specifically withholding tax clearance certificates from businesses with outstanding liabilities, even when those liabilities were not verified.

Kalaba also condemned the UPND government's tax incentives for the mining sector, which he believes have worsened the nation’s economic instability.

He pointed to persistent high inflation, a volatile exchange rate, and a sharp decline in economic growth since the UPND took office in 2021.

"The exchange rate has worsened from K16 to $1 to K28 to $1," Kalaba observed, signaling the government's failure to meet economic expectations.

Kalaba also raised concerns about the erosion of judicial independence under the current government, claiming that increasing interference from State House has compromised the judiciary's autonomy.

He highlighted the government’s disregard for pending appeals by political prisoners, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for Zambia’s democracy.

The Citizens First president continued his critique by addressing the government's management of crucial sectors, including energy and food security.

He pointed out that while Zambia has ample resources to meet its domestic energy needs, the country continues to export power, leaving citizens without reliable electricity.

"We have the resources to meet our domestic needs, yet we continue to export power, leaving our people in darkness," Kalaba remarked.

"A Citizens First government would prioritize energy security."

Additionally, he condemned the delayed distribution of farming inputs, which he said had hindered farmers' productivity, undermining Zambia’s potential to become a regional agricultural hub.

Kalaba also criticized the government’s recruitment practices, alleging that appointments within the civil service have become increasingly restricted to members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).

He further highlighted the growing youth unemployment crisis, attributing it to the government’s failure to create adequate job opportunities.

Further condemning the government's economic management, Kalaba pointed to the rising corruption levels within the UPND administration.

He accused the government of focusing on targeting individuals from the previous regime while allowing corruption to thrive within its own ranks.

Kalaba also lamented the exploitation of Zambia’s natural resources, particularly in the mining sector, which he argued has not benefited the local population.

He accused the Ministry of Mines of prioritizing foreign interests and sidelining small-scale miners, particularly in Muchinga and Northwestern provinces.

Outlining a bold vision for a Citizens First administration post-2026, Kalaba promised to establish a framework for more effective management of Zambia’s natural resources, support small-scale miners, and promote mutually beneficial partnerships with foreign investors.

He pledged that under his leadership, Zambia's mining sector would be revamped to benefit the Zambian people, ensuring that the country’s natural resources translate into wealth and prosperity.

Kalaba also addressed the government’s mishandling of Zambia’s energy sector, particularly the fuel shortage.

He criticized the decision to convert the Tazama pipeline into an open-access carrier for fuel imports from Tanzania, which he claimed led to a monopoly by Agro Fuel, a company with strong ties to senior government officials.

This monopoly, according to Kalaba, disrupted the fuel supply chain, causing inefficiencies, rising fuel costs, and potential shortages.

Additionally, Kalaba faulted the government for its failure to address critical issues in public service recruitment and political appointments.

He argued that political loyalty, rather than merit, is driving appointments in both the civil and diplomatic services.

He called for greater transparency in government operations, particularly in civil service recruitment, where over 400 civil servants have been removed from their positions and placed in holding roles.

Kalaba reaffirmed Citizens First’s commitment to offering solutions that serve the interests of the Zambian people, emphasizing the party's role in exposing government mismanagement.

He urged Zambians to unite for a government that is truly “for the people, by the people,” promising to build a better future for the nation grounded in justice, fairness, and accountability.

Kalaba’s call for change, set against the backdrop of increasing public frustration, signals an intensifying political struggle in Zambia’s upcoming year.

Citizens First and other opposition groups are expected to escalate efforts to challenge the government’s handling of the nation’s critical issues.