MARK CHILONGU WRITES A LETTER TO PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA

 

Your Excellency, Mr. President of the Republic of Zambia,

Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces,

Patron of many associations,

and Father of the Nation, President Hakainde Hichilema,

 

Sir,

 

Always remember- What is good can always be made better.

 

Your Excellency, I write with profound respect for the high office you hold and the national trust vested in you by the people of Zambia. This trust carries with it a historic responsibility not only to govern effectively, but to unite a diverse nation at a time when unity is most needed.

 

It is in this spirit that I respectfully express concern regarding certain public remarks made under your leadership that have been perceived by many citizens as divisive or tribal in tone. As Head of State, your words carry exceptional weight and symbolism. In moments of national tension, the country looks to you not merely for policy direction, but for reassurance, inclusivity, and moral clarity. Leadership at this level must consistently rise above regional, ethnic, personal, or partisan undertones, intentional or otherwise.

 

Your Excellency, Zambia is at a delicate crossroads. Your leadership at this time is crucial. The nation requires a President who deliberately unites, heals, and reassures all citizens that they belong equally to the Zambian project. Unfortunately, there is a growing perception that elements of your messaging are being shaped or influenced by old-school political actors whose approach to politics is rooted in division, survivalism, and outdated strategies. With respect, these actors may not be guiding your leadership in a manner that reflects the aspirations of a young, progressive, and diverse nation.

 

Governance knows no tribe. Governance knows no region. Governance requires collective wisdom, empathy, and responsiveness especially in a country where the majority of citizens are young. You were elected by Zambians from every province, not by any single grouping. Your responsibility, therefore, is national and generational.

 

While your public engagements are frequent, many citizens feel that their lived realities are not sufficiently heard in national discourse. Leadership is not only about speaking; it is equally about listening. Four years into this administration, there was an expectation that structured public hearings beyond political rallies would be prioritised. Genuine engagement, not constant mobilisation, is what builds trust and provides an accurate reflection of national sentiment.

 

History, both local and global, teaches us that rallies are not always reliable indicators of public opinion or electoral outcomes. Overreliance on them can mislead even well-intentioned leaders. I respectfully encourage you to task your advisory team to critically assess this reality, lest Zambia drifts toward leadership paths that substitute dialogue with perpetual political performance.

 

Your Excellency, I also humbly urge you to move away from a position of victimhood or persistent blame four years down the line. Strong leadership is demonstrated through accountability, openness to correction, and engagement with dissenting voices. The decentralisation policy your government has strengthened provides a powerful platform for deeper citizen engagement if fully utilised.

 

Let me state clearly: this counsel is not borne out of opportunism. Similar advice was offered to previous administrations, even when it attracted misrepresentation and criticism. Silence in the face of concern is not loyalty; principled counsel is.

 

Finally, as people of faith and as a nation, we must resist forces that seek to divide us. Our faith is not for sale. Our conscience is not for sale. Tribe must never become a source of anarchy among us. We are one people diverse, yet united. God does not judge by tribe, race, or creed, and neither should we.

 

Let love guide our politics. Let unity anchor our governance. Let us remember that we are one national family, accountable both to one another and to God.

Mark Chilongu