Assault on Chisenga an assault on democracy
THE assault of Mambilima Member of Parliament (MP) Jean Chisenga within the precincts of Parliament on Friday during President Hakainde Hichilema’s address to the National Assembly stands as one of the darkest moments in our democratic journey. It is not merely an attack on an individual; it is an affront to Parliament, to the dignity of women in leadership and to the very foundations of Zambia’s constitutional democracy.
Parliament is a sacred institution, the bedrock of democratic governance where elected representatives of the people gather to debate laws, hold the Executive accountable and safeguard the rights of citizens. Within its precincts, members of Parliament are supposed to enjoy privileges and immunities that guarantee their safety and independence. For Chisenga to be physically assaulted inside this hallowed ground by a United Party for National Development (UPND) Zealot is an unthinkable violation that cannot and must not be normalised.
What makes the incident even more disturbing is that it unfolded under the very nose of President Hichilema as he was addressing the official opening of the Fifth Session of the 13th National Assembly. Ironically, at that moment, the head of state was extolling his government’s supposed achievements in restoring the rule of law and ending political violence and cadreism. Yet, while those words rang through the chamber of the House, a UPND cadre was unleashing violence on a female MP in the very heart of our democracy. If ever there was a contradiction between rhetoric and reality, this is it.
The assault on Chisenga also exposes the fragility of parliamentary privileges and immunities under the current administration. In recent months, we have witnessed incidents that chip away at these protections – police officers besieging Parliament grounds, attempts to arrest MPs within its precincts and now the brutal assault of an elected representative. If these breaches are not checked with urgency, we risk turning Parliament into a playground for impunity rather than a sanctuary for democracy.
This act of violence is not just a political matter; it is also a gender issue. The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) and the wider women’s movement must rise to the occasion and condemn this cowardly act. Women in politics already face enormous challenges – verbal abuse, intimidation and structural barriers. To add physical violence within Parliament itself is to reinforce a culture of silencing women’s voices in leadership. Silence from gender equality advocates on this issue would be a betrayal of the progress Zambia has made in empowering women to participate in governance.
We must also be clear: impunity fuels repetition. That is why Nkana MP Binwell Mpundu’s call for the immediate arrest of the perpetrator deserves unqualified support. The law must be applied firmly and fairly, regardless of political affiliation. If the cadre who assaulted Chisenga is not swiftly brought to justice, it will send a chilling message – that violence against MPs, particularly women, is tolerated so long as the victim belongs to the opposition. That is a recipe for anarchy.
The incident further highlights the urgent need for all political actors to recommit to the principle that Parliament is a neutral space above partisan politics. The Speaker of the National Assembly must ensure that robust measures are put in place to guarantee the safety of MPs within the House. Similarly, political parties must discipline their members and cadres who engage in violence. Democracy thrives on dialogue, persuasion and the contest of ideas – not on fists and physical intimidation.
President Hichilema has repeatedly positioned himself as a champion of the rule of law. Now is the time for him to demonstrate that commitment not merely through speeches, but through action. Condemning the assault publicly, ensuring the swift prosecution of the offender, and directing state agencies to respect parliamentary privileges would go a long way in reassuring Zambians that his administration truly stands for law and order.
The assault on Jean Chisenga is a national disgrace that should trouble every well-meaning Zambian. It is an assault on Parliament, on democracy and on women’s participation in politics. The country must not allow this shameful episode to pass without accountability. Parliament must be defended, privileges must be restored and violence must be rooted out of our political culture. Anything less would be a betrayal of our democracy.
