Lusaka, Zambia – The Africa Centre for Innovative Governance (ACIG) reaffirms that Zambia’s enduring stability and democratic progress rest on its unwavering commitment to national unity. At a time of heightened political activity and civic engagement, the re-emergence of tribal and regional narratives, whether explicit or subtle, poses a real risk to human rights, democratic governance and social cohesion.
From a human rights lens, tribalism and regionalism undermine the principle of equality before the law. When political affiliation, access to services, employment opportunities or public resources are perceived to be influenced by ethnicity or region, citizens experience exclusion and discrimination, violations of fundamental rights enshrined in Zambia’s Constitution and international human rights instruments. Such dynamics erode trust in public institutions and weaken the social contract between the state and its people.
From a governance perspective, identity-based politics distort accountability. Leaders may prioritize sectional loyalties over national interest, weakening meritocracy, encouraging patronage and compromising service delivery. Over time, this diminishes institutional credibility, heightens polarization and increases the risk of political instability. Zambia’s historical success in managing diversity, anchored in the One Zambia, One Nation ethos, must not be taken for granted.
ACIG calls for deliberate, coordinated action by the Zambian Government, human rights institutions and political parties to safeguard national unity:
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What the Zambian Government Could Do
- Enforce Equal Citizenship: Strengthen and visibly enforce anti-discrimination laws in public service recruitment, procurement, and resource allocation to ensure fairness across all regions and communities.
- Civic Education for Unity: Invest in nationwide civic education that emphasizes constitutional values, shared history, and the responsibilities of citizenship beyond ethnic or regional identities.
- Inclusive Development Planning: Adopt transparent, data-driven development frameworks that demonstrably address regional disparities, reducing perceptions of marginalization.
- Language and Messaging Discipline: Maintain zero tolerance for divisive rhetoric within government communications and ensure public messaging consistently reinforces national unity.
What Human Rights Institutions Could Do
- Early Warning and Monitoring: Proactively monitor hate speech, discriminatory practices and identity-based incitement, especially during electoral periods, and issue timely public advisories.
- Public Accountability: Investigate and publicly report on violations linked to tribal or regional discrimination, regardless of political affiliation.
- Partnerships with Civil Society: Collaborate with faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, youth groups and the media to promote dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
What Political Parties Could Do
- Issue-Based Politics: Commit to policy-driven campaigns that address jobs, cost of living, service delivery and governance reforms rather than mobilizing voters along identity lines.
- Internal Codes of Conduct: Enforce strict internal rules against tribal or regional mobilization, including sanctions for candidates or members who engage in divisive rhetoric.
- Representative Leadership: Demonstrate inclusivity through diverse leadership structures that reflect Zambia’s national character.
Zambia’s diversity is a strength, not a fault line. The One Zambia, One Nation motto is not merely symbolic, it is a governance imperative and a human rights commitment. As the nation looks ahead, unity must be intentionally protected through law, leadership and civic responsibility.
ACIG urges all stakeholders, state and non-state actors alike, to recommit to a shared future anchored in equality, dignity and inclusive governance. Zambia has shown the region what peaceful coexistence can look like. It must continue to do so.
About ACIG
The Africa Centre for Innovative Governance (ACIG) is an independent policy think tank dedicated to advancing ethical leadership, human security, human rights, and evidence-based governance reforms across Africa.
For more information or inquries, get in touch with us on:
- www.acigzambia.com
- acig@acigzambia.com
252B Twin Palms Road, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia