Cracks emerge in Tonse Alliance with Socialist Party accused of plotting against Lungu
By Mark Ziligone
Cracks have emerged in the opposition Tonse Alliance with the Socialist party being accused of plotting to hijack the alliance and remove its Chairperson EDGAR LUNGU.
The alliance has also given PF Secretary General RAPHAEL NAKACHINDA and PF Acting President GIVEN LUBINDA seven days in which to exculpate themselves over alleged clandestine meetings with the senior leadership of the Socialist Party, and other unknown persons.
Alliance Spokesperson SEAN TEMBO says the meetings by the two officials were held without the sanction or knowledge of the Alliance, and only came to light because of some leaked photos.
And Mr TEMBO says the Alliance has launched an investigation against the Socialist Party for allegedly plotting to overthrow Alliance Chairman EDGAR LUNGU.
He says this follows the emergence of a leaked audio recording allegedly featuring Ms. AKENDE M’MEMBE the Socialist Party Chairperson for International Relations and daughter to Socialist Party President FRED M’MEMBE and the party’s National Youth Chairman, KELVIN KAUNDA.
He says the alliance is concerned over the leaked audio as the two are captured mocking the absence of former President LUNGU due to medical reasons.
Mr. TEMBO says an ad hoc Disciplinary Committee has been instituted and has been tasked to investigate the alleged plot and recommend actions to the Alliance’s Council of Leaders.
The Alliance has also written to SP leader FRED M’MEMBE seeking an explanation regarding the conduct of his party officials and to justify why the Socialist Party’s recent application to join the Alliance should still be considered.
When contacted for a comment Socialist Party National Youth Chairman, KELVIN KAUNDA declined to comment saying he would only do so after receiving the official letter.
But Socialist Party Deputy General Secretary MAXIMO MUTAMBO denied the authenticity of a circulating audio clip describing it as propaganda aimed at dividing the opposition.
Both PF Acting President GIVEN LUBINDA and PF Secretary General RAPHAEL NAKACINDA declined to comment on the matter.
