Calls are growing for Malawi’s political leaders to reflect on how they treat their rivals, as events in neighbouring Zambia offer a stark reminder of how quickly political fortunes can change.
The discussion has been reignited by the fallout surrounding the death of Zambia’s former President Edgar Lungu, whose passing on June 5 has stirred debate over how his body is being handled.
Earlier, political commentator Wonderful Mkhutche told Malawi24 that the situation in Zambia can easily happen in Malawi looking at the animosity between current and former Presidents. He then cautioned the two on personalising their differences.
Now, Malawian social media influencer Pemphero Mphande joined the conversation through a Facebook post that is gaining wide traction.
Drawing lessons from Zambia’s political history, Mphande reminded people that while in power in 2017, Lungu had President Hakainde Hichilema jailed for over three months on what he called “stupid treason charges,” and described it as “very cruel and autocratic.”
Though Hichilema later rose to power and chose not to retaliate, Mphande noted that the deep-rooted bitterness remained unresolved, leading to today’s uncomfortable situation where the dignity of a former president is now in question.
“This is a lesson to Malawian leaders and politicians,” Mphande wrote. “Treat your opponents with respect when in power, and they too will respect you. Times can change quickly. One day you are the cock of the walk, the next a feather duster.”
He urged political actors in both Malawi and Zambia to choose peace over prolonged hostility. “The best they can do is bury the past and respect the dead,” he said, appealing directly to Lungu’s family and President HH.
With just hours before Lungu was to be laid to rest at the Cathedral of Christ the King in central Johannesburg, the high court in Pretoria ordered a halt to his burial, following a legal challenge by the Zambian government against Lungu’s burial in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the state is expected to file its application for repatriation of the body on 3rd July 2025, while the family is expected to file its opposition a day later, on 4th July. The matter will be heard on 18th July 2025.
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