PRESIDENT HICHILEMA WARNED ABOUT WESTERN ALIGNMENT
…we are glad that he is slowly waking up to the sad realities that it does not pay to be a puppet of the West says Dr M’membe
Lusaka… Tuesday February 18, 2025
Socialist Party (SP) leader Dr Fred M’membe has stated that President Hakainde Hichilema is beginning to realize the consequences of aligning too closely with Western powers.
In a statement, Dr M’membe expressed his belief that Mr Hichilema’s acknowledgment of the Trump administration’s aid freeze as a wake-up call for Africa was a step in the right direction.
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He stated that Zambia’s leader had been warned repeatedly about the West’s growing interest in the country’s minerals, natural resources, and land but had ignored such advice.
“We are glad that Mr Hakainde Hichilema is slowly waking up to the sad realities that it does not pay to be a puppet of the West or align himself with imperialists,” Dr M’membe stated.
“We say this because we have constantly guided Mr Hichilema on how to deal with the West’s insatiable appetite and interest in our minerals and other natural resources, land, and many other rewarding things our country is endowed with, but he never listens.”
Dr M’membe noted that Mr Hichilema’s recent comments marked a shift from his previous stance, which he described as arrogant and misguided on global matters.
He emphasized that Africa’s true strength lay in the prudent management of its own resources rather than dependence on Western aid.
Furthermore, Dr M’membe urged Mr Hichilema to close the AFRICOM office in Lusaka, arguing that its presence was not in the interest of Zambia or Africa.
He warned that maintaining the office could diplomatically isolate the country and pose security risks in the long term.
The Socialist Party leader also called on Mr Hichilema to reconsider Zambia’s position on Western Sahara, criticizing what he saw as the President’s alignment with imperialist interests in recognizing Morocco’s control over the region.
Dr M’membe described this stance as a betrayal of Zambia’s historical commitment to self-determination and solidarity with oppressed nations.
He has urged President Hichilema to use this moment as an opportunity to redefine Zambia’s foreign policy, restore its reputation as a sovereign and just nation, and realign itself with global progressive forces.