Laughing Lungu Draws Criticism

Comments in the press this weekend attributed to President Lungu have sparked criticism. The President was claimed to have said that he laughs and chuckles when people say things are bad in Zambia and insisted the country is doing very well.

However, his comments have been labelled as insensitive by some, who argue that for many Zambians life has become harder during his time at State House.

Among these are civil society activist and Alliance for Community Action director Laura Miti who expressed her concern on social media.

“If President Lungu really said he laughs when he hears people say things are hard in Zambia, then the problem we have is not only incompetence,” Miti writes.

“A President making light of the runaway panic citizens are experiencing at an unravelling economy, sounds very spiteful,” she continues.

“Like the mess he has created is deliberate and he is enjoying observing these two Zambias - his and his mate's of stunning wealth, and ours in which the very means to survive are destroyed,” Miti explains. 

“This is the same spirit displayed by a wealthy Minister who says his family will starve if he takes 50,000 out of his millions to pay back money he illegally earned. I better leave it there,” she concludes.

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema also responded to the remarks.

“When you hear a person in leadership, who is supposed to solve people's problems, laugh at those same people's problems, then you know that you have a huge problem,” Hichilema commented. 

“Imagine going to see a Doctor and instead of them addressing your medical problem, they start laughing at you. This is what Mr Edgar Lungu is doing to us, the citizens who are facing numerous problems,” he explained.

“When we tell him that the cost of living is high, he laughs. When we tell him the country is highly indebted, he laughs. When we tell him roads are being washed away he laughs. When we tell him there are no medicines in hospitals, Mr Lungu laughs. When we tell Mr Lungu about the rampant corruption, he laughs. When we tell him the voter registration is chaotic, he laughs. Is Mr Lungu now competing for a spot on the various comedy shows where our problems will provide material for him to laugh,” Hichilema asked.

The UPND leader encouraged citizens to get their voter’s card and to vote for seriousness at State House.