2025 has been brutal for Zambians-Governance activitist
By Thandizo Banda
THE year 2025 has been profoundly challenging for Zambians leading to increased stress levels, emotional, and financial hardship, a governance activist Dr Gabriel Nsofwa has said.
Dr Nsofwa expressed fear that the hardships were likely to spill-over to next year, which was an election year.
“Economically, Zambians have faced unprecedented hardships since independence, characterised by skyrocketing cost of living and escalating prices of essential commodities, including fuel, electricity, mealie- meal, and other vital goods,” said Dr Nsofwa.
He also observed that Zambians experienced prolonged periods of load shedding, often exceeding 21 hours per day.
Dr Nsofwa said this had devastating consequences, including the collapse of industries resulting in widespread job losses.
“Companies such as Pamalat Zambia have been forced to withdraw from the country due to the unbearable load shedding. Small-scale businesses, including barbershops, butcheries, and salons, have been compelled to close, exacerbating the suffering of many Zambians,” he said.
Dr Nsofwa said politically, the country had witnessed a surge in violence, particularly perpetrated by ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres.
“Opposition parties have been systematically denied the freedom of assembly, with the police refusing to grant permits for public rallies and mobilisation meetings. Even indoor meetings have been disrupted by law enforcers and many opposition leaders have faced trumped-up charges, resulting in convictions and arrests,” he said
Dr Nsofwa also said under the UPND administration, human rights had been violated under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes law.
