Don’t be loyal to individual politicians, M’membe urges defence, security wings

Don’t be loyal to individual politicians, M’membe urges defence, security wings 

By Mast Reporter

LEADER of the Socialist Party (SP) Fred M’membe has appealed to defence and security wings of government to be loyal to the Constitution and not individuals.

Dr M’membe pledged to defend citizens against the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s “undemocratic” maneuvers regarding the Constitution.

He said yesterday when he and other stakeholders jointly held a briefing in Lusaka that citizens needed to defend the Constitution.

Dr M’membe warned that it was increasingly becoming clear that President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government were adamant about effecting constitutional changes against the people’s will.

“Time has come, time has come for you, the people of our homeland, to rise up and defend the constitutional reform process of this country. Time has come for you to rise up and defend our country,” Dr M’membe said.

“We pledge to stand with the people. We pledge to lead and defend the people against the UPND government’s undemocratic maneuvers.”

He implored men and women in uniform in defence and security wings to stay loyal to the Constitution and not to politicians.

“We call upon our security forces, our defence forces, the police, the intelligence services and the military to remain loyal to the Constitution, and to defend the people of our homeland, the masses. Not to defend individuals, not to remain loyal to individual politicians whether in government today or in opposition today. We commend the immediate past Zambia Army commander for upholding the Army’s non-partisan character,” he said.

“To our fellow citizens in uniform, to men and women in uniform, we urge you to reject any unconstitutional orders to suppress peaceful demonstrations, to suppress peaceful actions by your fellow citizens.”

The opposition leader said the right to peaceful protest and other actions in defense of democracy, in defense of the constitution, are enshrined in the Constitution and must be protected at all costs.

Good governance activist Brebner Changala backed those with the view that any constitutional changes should be postponed until after the 2026 general elections.

Changala said such reforms should be undertaken free from political influence and with the full participation of all key stakeholders.

“The integrity of our nation’s constitutional framework must not be compromised by rushed or politically motivated amendments,” he said. “We urge all relevant authorities to uphold democratic principles by ensuring that any constitutional review process is inclusive, transparent, and conducted at an appropriate time – after the elections – when the voices of all Zambians can be heard and respected. We stand united in our commitment to protecting the integrity of our Constitution and the will of the people.”

Government has announced that it will amend the Constitution before next year’s general elections, which has drawn sharp opposition from various stakeholders.