HH is trying hard to provoke us to justify his reign of blood and terror- Former PF Diplomat Kellys Kaunda
POLITICSBy Kellys Kaunda — Zambian Observer
The political landscape in Zambia has once again come under intense scrutiny following sharp commentary from former diplomat and political analyst Kellys Kaunda regarding the government's handling of dissent and security. Weighing in on recent pronouncements by law enforcement authorities concerning planned public gatherings and political events, Kaunda expressed deep concern over what he perceives as a growing intolerance for alternative political views. His remarks tap into a broader national conversation about the state of civil liberties, freedom of assembly, and the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting constitutional rights under the current administration. The controversy intensified after the Zambia Police Service, led by Inspector-General Graphel Musamba, issued stern warnings against any attempts to disrupt upcoming high-profile state events or organize unlawful protests. Authorities claimed to have gathered credible intelligence suggesting that certain political elements were mobilizing citizens to stage disruptive demonstrations and protest recent high-profile detentions. While the police insisted that security measures are entirely preventative and aimed at safeguarding public peace, critics like Kaunda argue that such heavy-handed pronouncements serve to shrink the democratic civic space and criminalize legitimate political expression. Political analysts note that Zambia's democratic credentials have historically been anchored on peaceful transitions and tolerance, making any perceived slide toward authoritarian policing a matter of intense public anxiety. Opposition figures and civil society actors have frequently accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) administration of utilizing state apparatuses to suppress political opposition under the guise of enforcing the law. Conversely, government defenders maintain that the administration is simply upholding the rule of law and preventing opportunistic ac