Chishimba Kambwili denies being part of any PF cartel amid increasing allegations of factionalism within the party

Chishimba Kambwili, a leading member of Zambia’s Patriotic Front (PF) party, has denied being part of any PF cartel amid increasing allegations of factionalism within the party.

Kambwili, a former minister and Member of Parliament, has been linked to a group known as the “true greens” alongside Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Miles Sampa, who are said to be opposed to the leadership of former president Edgar Lungu.

However, in a recent voice note addressed to one of his supporters, Kambwili made it clear that he is not part of any cartel and is ready to work with anyone within the party.

“What you are saying that the only true greens are Kambwili, GBM and Miles, please stop mentioning me. Your disrespect for leaders is too much my young man,” Kambwili said in the voice note.

“I am not in any cartel. Me, I am ready to work with everyday. I am not working with any particular person, and you are creating a narrative as if me, I support Miles’ decision to take the party to court … I am not a person who brings confusion in the party. The party is bigger than all of us and we must respect the party and its leaders.”

The PF party has been experiencing internal conflicts, with various factions vying for power and influence within the party. These conflicts have led to allegations of cartels being formed within the party, with each group seeking to advance their interests and agenda.

Kambwili’s statement is significant as it highlights the need for party members to work together towards a common goal, rather than pursuing their individual interests. It also sends a clear message to the public that the PF is committed to unity and is working towards resolving internal conflicts.

In recent weeks, the PF has been embroiled in a legal dispute after Miles Sampa, a former mayor of Lusaka and a member of the party, filed a petition challenging the election of the party’s new leadership at a recent conference.

Sampa claims that the election was marred by irregularities, and that the party’s new leadership is not representative of the views of the majority of party members. His decision to take the matter to court has caused further divisions within the party, with some members supporting his move, while others have criticized it.

Kambwili’s statement is also significant in the context of the upcoming general elections, which are due to be held in August 2021. The PF is facing a strong challenge from the main opposition party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), led by Hakainde Hichilema.

Hichilema, who has contested the presidency five times and narrowly lost in the last two elections, is seen as a formidable opponent to the PF. He has promised to tackle corruption and improve the economy, which has been hit hard by falling copper prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The upcoming elections are expected to be closely contested, and the PF is facing increasing pressure to unite and present a strong and coherent message to voters.

Kambwili’s statement is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to heal the divisions within the party. The PF will need to work hard to address the concerns of all its members and present a united front if it is to stand any chance of winning the upcoming elections.

In addition, Chishimba Kambwili’s denial of being part of any PF cartel is significant as it sends a clear message that the party is committed to unity and is working towards resolving internal conflicts. It highlights the need for party members to work together towards a common goal and to respect the party’s leaders.