Hichilema Has Lost State Power to Undefined Forces, Claims Wynter Kabimba
Kabimba Urges President to Reclaim Authority Amid Growing Concerns
Lusaka, Zambia – Senior Counsel Wynter Kabimba has made startling claims that President Hakainde Hichilema has lost control of state power to undefined forces, calling for immediate action to reclaim authority. The controversial statement has sparked debate about Zambia’s political direction and governance.
The Power Struggle Narrative
Kabimba, a prominent political figure, asserts that competing power centers – projecting religious, regional, tribal, and ethnic interests – have undermined presidential authority. He quotes a Dutch proverb to emphasize his point: “Little is done when many command,” and its Bemba equivalent “Zyembela beelene” (there’s no commander among equals).
Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding
Critics warn that this narrative could embolden President Hichilema to:
- Clamp down on political opponents and critics
- Implement more draconian measures
- Violate citizens’ rights and freedoms
- Launch crackdowns on media independence
Current Political Landscape
Observers note that President Hichilema already maintains significant control over key institutions:
- Parliament
- Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)
- Judiciary
There are growing concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances, with allegations of constitutional manipulation to consolidate power.
Kabimba’s Full Statement: “Is the State Under Siege?”
In his detailed analysis, Kabimba reflects on Zambia’s democratic journey since the 1991 return to multiparty politics:
“Democracy meant hope and freedom for all. It promised a stable society where progress would thrive. However, we now see competing power centers threatening to render the state dysfunctional.”
Key Arguments in Kabimba’s Analysis
The legal expert makes several critical points:
- In a democracy, power resides with elected representatives
- Non-state actors (churches, traditional leaders, civil society) play important but subordinate roles
- Parallel power structures threaten national unity and identity
- The state must reassert its constitutional authority
Warning Signs of State Weakness
Kabimba identifies several red flags:
- Rise of competing power centers
- Growing emphasis on narrow group interests over national unity
- Erosion of state authority
The commentary concludes with a stark warning about the dangers of multiple power centers in a democracy.
This article summarizes an original report by Zambian Eye. For complete details and context, please refer to the original source.