Lungu Insists Tonse Alliance is United, But Questions Linger

In a carefully worded address, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Zambia’s Sixth President and Patriotic Front (PF) leader, sought to quell murmurs of discord within the Tonse Alliance, asserting its unity with a vigor that some might find more hopeful than convincing. Quoting a Bemba proverb, “imiti iipalamene taibula kushenkana” (trees that grow together will rub each other), Lungu acknowledged recent “minor political machinations” but insisted the coalition remains unshaken. Yet, the timing and tone of his speech raise doubts about whether the cracks in the Alliance are as superficial as he claims.

As Chairperson of the Tonse Alliance, Lungu declared the coalition “intact,” rooted in a shared vision of hope and stability for Zambia. But his dismissal of internal tensions as mere friction between trees feels like a convenient sidestep, especially given whispers of disciplinary actions against PF senior leaders. Lungu’s assertion that the Alliance’s strength hinges on PF’s dominance—boasting that without PF, Tonse would lack its formidable reputation—might not sit well with other coalition partners, who could see it as a power play rather than a unifying call.

Lungu’s defense of PF’s outreach to other political parties, framed as a strategy to bolster the Alliance, invites skepticism. Is this truly about strengthening Tonse, or is PF hedging its bets, preparing for a future where the coalition might falter? His insistence that the Alliance cannot discipline PF leaders “without my guidance” suggests a top-down control that could alienate allies, undermining the very unity he champions.

In a bid to project solidarity, Lungu named Hon. Given Lubinda, PF Vice-President, as acting Chairperson in his absence, tasking him with rallying opposition support. But centralizing communication through Lubinda and demanding respect for PF’s “structure and integrity” risks coming off as a warning to dissenters rather than an olive branch. His revocation of disciplinary letters and call for a PF Central Committee meeting, which he will co-chair, may calm tensions temporarily, but it also hints at deeper rifts that require such high-level intervention.

Lungu’s appeal for opposition unity against a “common enemy” and his portrayal of Zambia at a “crossroads” are familiar rallying cries, but they gloss over the practical challenges of aligning diverse political interests. His call for a ceasefire on “little issues” and focus on collaboration sounds noble, yet it sidesteps accountability for what those issues are and why they surfaced. Zambians, weary of political posturing, may question whether this is genuine leadership or a calculated move to maintain PF’s grip on the Alliance.

“We may be tested, yes, but we are not falling,” Lungu proclaimed, striking an optimistic note about the Alliance’s “deep roots” and “clear path.” But for a coalition reportedly grappling with internal strife, such confidence feels premature. His closing mantra—Together, we believe. Together, we serve. Together, we will build the Zambia we all deserve—aims to inspire, but it leaves lingering questions about whether the Tonse Alliance can truly deliver unity or if Lungu’s words are merely a bandage on a fracturing coalition.