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There appears to be no end in sight to the war of words between the governing Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and opposition parties
The opposition is taking a defiant line against the government, insisting that President Frederick Chiluba still deserves to be called «a thief» despite a recent police clampdown on those calling him so.
Leaders of seven political parties met in Lusaka recently to announce their resolve to strongly resist victimisation of the government’s critics, and to denounce corruption in official circles. Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, leader of the opposition Agenda for Zambia party, vociferously maintains: «A thief is a thief. We are, therefore, being plain and simple when we say that Mr Chiluba is a thief.»
The united opposition voice comes in the wake of rising allegations of official corruption and subsequent harassment of government critics in an increasingly volatile political climate. It also comes amid an on-going nation-wide campaign, initiated by civil society, to collect signatures from ordinary Zambians, charging Chiluba with theft of public resources. According to organisers, more than 4,000 people had signed up by the end of August.
The «Four»
The petitioners’ signatures will be presented to the police in a display of public solidarity with those facing prosecution by the government. Two journalists from the independent daily, The Post, including its Editor-in-Chief, Fred M’membe, and two senior Forum for Democracy and Democracy (FDD) leaders, are currently facing charges of defaming President Chiluba.
All the accused have denied the charge. Their indictment arises from reports, published by The Post, that linked the President to the disappearance of US $4 million meant for the importation of relief maize from Canada in 1994.
Critics say that the prosecution charges have been brought in an attempt to shield Chiluba from further embarrassment resulting from revelations of serious malpractices in high places.
Among the most sensational of the cases is that concerning cobalt, worth millions of dollars, which was sold at a fraction of the market price in the months leading up to the privatisation of the former parastatal, Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines. According to a parliamentary committee, the deal resulted in massive bribes, estimated at US $150 million, being paid to senior figures in the local establishment, many of them in government.
Political analysts say the trial of the «four», which began on 5 September, will prove more damaging to Chiluba personally, as there are several people willing to testify against the President. «The trial will open a can of worms,» says one prominent lawyer in Lusaka.
«Thief, thief»
Irked by the incessant critical media reports, the former Minister-without-Portfolio, Michael Sata, recently directed MMD supporters to arrest anyone reported to be accusing Chiluba of theft «because that is insulting the President.»
Lewanika retorted: «Speaking the truth may be painful, and even extremely difficult, but it can never be an insult or defamation. “Crying wolf” by pretending to have been insulted or defamed, and getting jumpy because one is called a thief, can save no one. By becoming jittery because he’s heard shouts of “thief! thief!”, Mr Chiluba is responding like a criminal on a crowded street who starts to run the moment someone shouts “thief! thief!” Just like civic minded people when a thief is caught in the act, we should not be blamed if we give chase, trying to catch the sprinting suspect.»
Several prominent opposition party members have been questioned by the police in connection with the signed petition. But the opposition remain undaunted. «We are sending a strong message to the MMD that we shall not watch the victimisation of those who hold dissenting views without taking action,» says Nevers Mumba, leader of the opposition National Citizens Coalition. «We shall all fight together.»
Dean Mungomba, president of the Zambia Alliance of Progress, says Zambians have not defamed President Chiluba, but are simply asking him to account for his actions. «Corruption and abuse of office have infiltrated every social and economic area in our country, including the privatisation exercise, the construction and procurement businesses, trading and housing initiatives. Ministers have stolen, using the President’s name, and maybe on his behalf as well. All along, Zambians have remained silent as though in shock and disbelief, as corruption entrenches itself — while the President maintains there’s no corruption in his government. But now the time has come to account for what’s been happening».
No amnesty for thieves
The FDD‘s interim Chairman, Simon Zukas, says Chiluba has used government institutions to silence political opponents. «We cannot allow our country to be governed by a one-man show. We cannot allow the police to serve just one man and one party at the expense of the interests of the majority of Zambians.»
Anderson Mazoka is president of The United Party for National Development. He vows that there will be no amnesty for thieving government leaders, insisting that Chiluba must be prosecuted after leaving office. He urges Zambians to replace the current government at all costs, with a clean, accountable and democratic administration. «We need a change of leadership in this country,» he says. «We need a fresh start in Zambia. We need leaders who are not afraid to be called names.»
Dean Mungomba says the opposition is committed to deal with the current national crisis. «Let Mr Chiluba know that, because this is the only country we have. Let no one underestimate our resolve. We are prepared to die for our country».
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