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…People’s Pact launched, M’membe talks justice and unity
By Mast Reporter
THE opposition 2026 People’s Pact hit the ground running yesterday when it officially begun the mobilisation of Zambians countrywide to unite and vote the United Party for National Development (UPND) out of power in August
The Pact was successfully launched despite government’s attempt to block the event, which forced the organisers to change the venue.
It began its work on a high note with a clarion call to Zambians of every ethnicity and region to embrace it as their own movement and the vehicle through which to kick out the UPND this year.
In attendance were the Pact’s president and 2026 presidential candidate Dr Fred M’membe, former Copperbelt University (CBU) vice chancellor Professor Naison Ngoma and deputy secretary general of the People’s Pact Kaluba Simuyemba, who is also president of the Movement for Change & Equality (M4CE) and one of the vice presidents.
The others were Robert Sichinga, a seasoned Zambian statesman, economic strategist and public servant, also serving as a vice president, and Pact member United for Better Zambia (UBZ) Party president Apostle Hector Sondo.
After the launch, Dr M’membe declared the People’s Pact Movement was not a mere political alliance, but a national movement for justice, dignity and democratic renewal.
Speaking at the launch, he said the People’s Pact was a response to the suffering and marginalisation being experienced by ordinary Zambians daily.
“I stand before you today not as a man seeking power but as a Zambian who has witnessed too much suffering, too much injustice, too much humiliation,” Dr M’membe said.
He described the movement as one for “the forgotten and the hopeful”.
The time to say “twacula pafula [enough is enough]” had come.
Dr M’membe said the People’s Pact would prioritise economic justice, the restoration of democracy, national unity and dignity for all Zambians.
He blasted the current government for failing to deliver on promises of prosperity and jobs, accusing it of compromising national sovereignty and deepening poverty.
Dr M’membe was concerned about the state of Zambia’s democracy, citing compromised institutions, a politicised Judiciary and shrinking space for dissent.
He condemned the continued divisive tribal rhetoric from high offices and reaffirmed the People’s Pact’s commitment to national unity across all ethnic groups.
Dr M’membe urged government to ensure the dignified burial of former president Edgar Lungu.
“A nation that cannot bury its dead with dignity has lost something essential,” he said.
Dr M’membe said the People’s Pact would fight for freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press, and ensure Zambia’s natural resources benefited its people.
He invited citizens to join the movement and work together for a better future as Zambia approaches the 2026 general election scheduled for August.
