Zambia Must Chart Its Own Course: Why Copying East Africa’s Youth Uprisings Is a Mistake
FUGITIVE, unpatriotic former Zambian Ambassador Emmanuel appears to have embarked on a mission to incite the youth to rise against a dully and democratically elected government of President Hakainde Hichilema.
On his live podcast platform recently, Mwamba engaged his fellow bird, Binwell Mpundu, flying a dangerous narrative of possible uprising in Zambia as the country approaches the 2026 general elections. 
The two are dangerously mooting the idea of imitating recent Gen- Z uprisings in some parts of Africa.
Mwamba, or whatever his birth identity is, and Binwell Mpundu, should listen to the voice of reason and know that passion is good, but patriotism is better. The two would be good citizens by avoiding imitation. Their imitation narrative is a dangerous way to take.
Mwamba and Mpundu’s recent chatter comparing Zambia’s political environment to the so-called youth uprisings in parts of East Africa from Botswana to Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania is misplaced.
Let’s be clear: Zambia’s context is not East Africa’s. Our social, economic, and political foundations are distinct.
To suggest that our youth should emulate those movements is to entirely misread the situation in Zambia.
Zambia is a sovereign nation with its own rhythm. The UPND government’s efforts to address challenges of unemployment, high cost of living, and the push for accountable governance are real. These challenges should be addressed through dialogue, reform, and participation within the democratic systems, not through imported unrest or reactionary mobilisations.
It is difficult to accept Mwamba and Binwell Mpundu’s patriotism when the two are openly agreeable to putting Zambia on a path of destruction by advocating for violent uprisings!
Kenya’s youth movements are born out of Kenya’s peculiar socio-political fabric.
Tanzania’s issues stem from its own governance culture.
Botswana’s civic energy reflects its democratic maturity, while Madagascar’s instability is deeply historical. None of these realities mirror Zambia’s terrain.
Mwamba and Mpundu should not confuse activism with anarchy.
Zambia’s democracy remains strong because it is home-grown. We debate fiercely, campaign passionately, and transition power peacefully. That is the Zambian signature, a political culture built on stability, not chaos.
The moment we start looking outward for revolutionary inspiration, we lose our moral compass as a nation.
Change in Zambia must come through Zambian solutions, and it should be through policy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic participation, not through mimicry of unrest that has left other nations bleeding and divided.
With due respect, Mwamba and Mpundu should know that Zambia does not need to “learn” from East Africa’s upheavals. We are not lagging behind; we are simply walking a more mature, deliberate path.
Zambia’s democracy may not be perfect, but it is peaceful. The Zambian youth may be restless, but they are hopeful. This nation is grounded in faith, discipline, and resilience. It does not borrow revolutions. It builds progress from within.
Zambia must continue to walk its own road firm, focused, and forward-looking.
