UPND MEDIA DIRECTOR MARK SIMUUWE RESPONDS TO DR COSMAS MUSUMALI ON PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S ELECTION AS COMESA VICE-CHAIRPERSON

The political landscape in Lusaka has seen renewed verbal exchanges following the election of President Hakainde Hichilema as the Vice-Chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). While regional bodies and economic analysts have largely hailed the appointment as a strategic milestone for Zambia's economic diplomacy, domestic political actors remain sharply divided over the Head of State's regional stature. Socialist Party General Secretary Dr. Cosmas Musumali recently weighed in on the development, describing it as an opportunity for Zambia to advance regional trade and border efficiency, yet casting doubt on President Hichilema's overarching diplomatic footprint on the continent. Dr. Musumali asserted that while the COMESA position is advantageous, President Hichilema has allegedly "not yet matured into an African leader," pointing to instances where the Zambian administration's foreign policy stances have occasionally diverged from the consensus of regional majorities. These remarks quickly drew the ire of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Responding on behalf of the party, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe fired back, dismissing the criticism and defending the President's diplomatic credentials and regional engagements. Mr. Simuuwe emphasized that President Hichilema's elevation within COMESA is a testament to his commitment to regional integration, economic cooperation, and good governance. The ruling party maintains that the President has continuously championed policies that foster stability and trade facilitation across the region, making him well-suited for continental leadership roles. Furthermore, the UPND camp framed Dr. Musumali's comments as partisan rhetoric designed to undermine genuine developmental milestones achieved under the current administration. The debate highlights the delicate intersection of domestic politics and foreign policy in Zambia, where international appointments of sitting pre