Simuuwe defends Shakafuswa: He did not say that “Bembas are the problem in the country”‎

The United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Directorate has strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media attributing inflammatory tribal remarks to former Finance Deputy Minister Jonas Shakafuswa. Reports on a Facebook page had claimed that Shakafuswa asserted that the Bemba people were the root cause of Zambia's national problems. However, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe dismissed the attribution as an outright falsehood, clarifying that no such words ever appeared in Shakafuswa's official statements. Mr. Simuuwe expressed deep concern over what he termed a growing pattern of digital fabrication and malicious propaganda aimed at manufacturing ethnic tensions. He emphasized that weaponizing tribe and ethnicity in political discourse is a reckless endeavor that threatens Zambia's hard-earned peace and national unity. According to the UPND media chief, political actors and commentators must adhere to truth and rigorous verification standards rather than resorting to sensationalism for online engagement. In response to the recurring nature of these inflammatory posts, the UPND Media Directorate has escalated the matter. The Facebook page responsible for the publication has been formally reported to the relevant cybercrime authorities for thorough investigation and potential legal action. Broader civil society voices have frequently warned against the dangers of unverified social media commentary, particularly content that seeks to polarize citizens along regional and tribal fault lines ahead of electoral cycles. Political analysts in Lusaka note that tribal sensitivities remain a delicate subject in Zambian politics, often exploited by anonymous online actors seeking to influence public perception. While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of the nation's democracy, stakeholders across the political divide have repeatedly stressed that it must be balanced with responsible communication. Authorities continue to monitor online spaces as cybe