Concerns Over Public Silence and Fear
Rev Peter K. Nsama published an article titled "CAN A ZAMBIAN STILL SPEAK FREELY IN ZAMBIA?" on October 7, 2026, in Lusaka, according to The Zambian Observer. In the piece, Nsama stated that there is a pervasive fear in the country that citizens are not naming.
Nsama described this dynamic by noting that people speak in corridors but whisper in public, and complain on WhatsApp but clap in public. He reported receiving inbox messages from individuals asking him to "speak for us" because they are afraid to speak for themselves.
He questioned whether Zambia has become a country where disagreeing with power makes one an enemy of the state, stating that if this is true, "we are all in danger."
Call for Nonpartisan Accountability
Nsama urged Zambians to agree on principles independent of political affiliation, specifying they should act as citizens rather than members of the UPND, PF, or Tonse alliance.
He outlined three specific points for this agreement. First, he stated that if something is wrong, it is wrong even if one's own party did it. Second, he asserted that if something is right, it is right even if an enemy did it. Third, he argued that when a person is arrested, observers must ask if the law was followed or if power was followed.
Nsama emphasized legal distinctions, stating that an accusation is not a conviction, a Facebook post is not evidence, and detention is not supposed to be punishment. He added that if the government builds a road, citizens should clap, but he implied criticism is necessary when laws are abused.
Warnings to Church Leaders and Citizens
Nsama told those in power that they need citizens who trust them enough to tell the truth, rather than citizens who fear them. He warned church leaders against shouting truth on Sunday and going silent on Monday when truth costs an invitation.
He stated that the Church is the conscience of society, asserting that a conscience that negotiates with fear is dead. Nsama declared his personal commitment to praise what is right, name what is wrong, defend what is just, and not keep quiet about what is unjust.
The Cost of Dissent
Nsama asserted that criticizing government abuse of law is being a citizen, not opposition. He argued that a nation dies when good people become afraid to say wrong is wrong.
He declared that Zambia belongs to the woman in the market, the youth with no job, and all citizens, urging them to take their voice back to rescue their future.
Access Issues
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