It’s Foolish for Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha to Advocate for Former President Edgar Lungu’s Retirement
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
I recently watched a clip where Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha boldly stated that former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu should retire from active politics and “enjoy what he invested in this country.” He went on to say that Dr. Lungu would only enjoy these benefits if he stepped away from active political engagement. Kabesha further claimed that calls for Edgar Lungu’s retirement were coming from various quarters. However, this is a blatant lie—these calls are not coming from Zambians at large but only from within the UPND camp.
In whose interest are Mr. Kabesha and other UPND surrogates making such demands for the former President to retire? What benefits are they hoping to secure by forcing Dr. Lungu out of politics, and why are they so determined to strip him of his democratic rights and voice?
Why Is the UPND Targeting Edgar Lungu’s Political Rights?
The calls for Edgar Lungu to “retire” from active politics are not about national progress—they are about consolidating power and eliminating a formidable political adversary. Dr. Lungu remains a crucial figure in Zambia’s political landscape, and his continued influence and support among the masses are a source of discomfort for the UPND leadership. His presence in politics represents a challenge to the monopoly of power that the UPND is seeking to maintain.
In Whose Interest Are These Calls for Edgar Lungu’s Retirement?
Attorney General Kabesha and UPND surrogates need to answer a fundamental question: In whose interest are these calls for Edgar Lungu’s retirement being made? Is it about national progress, or is it about consolidating power within the UPND elite? These calls are only serving a narrow political agenda that seeks to marginalize opposition voices, suppress dissent, and consolidate authority among a select few at the top of Zambia’s political hierarchy.
Furthermore, what support or benefits is Mr. Kabesha claiming would be granted to Edgar Lungu, when the UPND government, even after Edgar Lungu retired following the 2021 elections, failed to show him the respect and acknowledgment due to a former head of state? Instead of honoring Dr. Lungu’s contributions to public service and leadership, the UPND leadership chose to disregard his role, diminishing the role and dignity of former Presidents as outlined in Zambia’s constitutional provisions and democratic norms.
This attitude towards Edgar Lungu is not just an attack on an individual—it is an attack on the sanctity of Zambia’s democratic processes, an erosion of respect for constitutional norms, and a rejection of the spirit of inclusiveness that a healthy democracy should embody.
Upholding Constitutional Integrity and Respecting Democratic Norms
The Attorney General’s responsibility is clear: to uphold the Constitution and protect Zambia’s democratic norms. Advocating for Edgar Lungu’s retirement is a blatant violation of constitutional provisions that allow for political participation and engagement. Such advocacy is a desperate maneuver that seeks to circumvent legal norms and compromise Zambia’s commitment to democracy.
For Zambia to truly move forward as a nation committed to progress, transparency, and respect for democracy, leadership must prioritize the needs of citizens, not political interests. We need leadership that promotes national development, adheres to constitutional processes, and focuses on serving the people rather than consolidating power. A true democracy thrives on open competition, transparency, legal integrity, and adherence to constitutional protections.
Conclusion
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha’s stance is a foolish and shortsighted attack on Zambia’s constitutional integrity and democratic foundations. Calls for Edgar Lungu to retire are not about national progress—they are a calculated strategy aimed at silencing opposition voices, consolidating power, and dismantling the rights of a leader who continues to have significant influence among Zambians.
It is time for Attorney General Kabesha and the UPND leadership to abandon their personal agendas, political vendettas, and consolidation of power at the cost of democracy. We demand leadership that upholds constitutional rights, prioritizes national unity, and focuses on sustainable progress and development for all Zambians.
It’s Foolish for Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha to Advocate for Former President Edgar Lungu’s Retirement
