04/10/2026
LET US BE HONEST — THERE IS NO CRISIS IN ZAMBIA, THERE IS A CRISIS OF NARRATIVE
State House has responded to the Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter, and the issues raised deserve a sober national discussion.
There is no national crisis in Zambia.
What we have is a crisis of narrative — where political disagreements, arrests, economic challenges and isolated incidents are increasingly being presented as evidence that the entire country is collapsing.
1. YOU CANNOT DISMISS THE BALLOT
Zambians voted. The 2021 election produced a clear electoral outcome, and subsequent elections have continued to shape the country’s political direction.
That verdict cannot simply be pushed aside whenever political tensions arise.
Concerns are legitimate, but serious accusations require evidence. National discourse cannot be driven entirely by emotion, speculation or political convenience.
2. AN ARREST IS NOT PERSECUTION
An arrest does not automatically mean guilt. Equally, an arrest cannot automatically be labelled persecution.
The law must take its course, regardless of whether the person involved is a politician, religious leader or ordinary citizen.
If someone believes their detention is unlawful, the courts remain the proper avenue for challenging it.
There is a fundamental difference between lawful arrest and abduction, and that distinction should not be erased for political effect.
3. ZAMBIA IS NOT UNDER MILITARY RULE
Zambia is not at war.
The country is not under military rule. The Zambia Army remains in the barracks and the institutions of government continue to function.
To portray Zambia as a military state is a serious claim that requires serious evidence.
Political disagreements should not be exaggerated into a picture of a country that does not exist.
4. THE ECONOMY CANNOT BE IGNORED
While some voices continue to describe Zambia as a country in total crisis, the government is pursuing investment and economic recovery.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s engagements in the United Arab Emirates produced preliminary investment commitments reportedly worth US$2.14 billion.
The country is also engaging international financial institutions while pursuing economic growth.
Inflation has fallen significantly, while the Bank of Zambia has reduced its monetary policy rate.
These developments do not mean every Zambian is comfortable or that every economic problem has disappeared.
Far from it.
But they do demonstrate that Zambia is not a country that has stopped functioning.
There are challenges. There are hardships. There are legitimate grievances.
But calling every challenge a national crisis risks turning political rhetoric into a substitute for facts.
LET THE CHURCH SPEAK — BUT LET FACTS SPEAK TOO
The Church has a legitimate role in speaking on matters affecting the nation.
Government also has a responsibility to respond.
Dialogue should therefore be encouraged, not feared.
But dialogue must be grounded in facts, evidence and respect for the constitutional order and the electoral verdict.
Zambia has problems that require attention.
Zambia has citizens demanding accountability.
Zambia has political disagreements.
But a country with problems is not automatically a country in crisis.
Let us debate honestly.
Let us challenge government where necessary.
Let us hold leaders accountable.
But let us also resist the temptation to portray Zambia as a nation on the verge of collapse simply because we disagree with those in power.
Zambia is not in crisis. Zambia is facing challenges — and the responsibility is to confront those challenges with facts, not fear.
Thandhayhi Brahsterhausy
Political Analyst
0767648917
