THE phenomenon of tribal politics seems to be slowly getting into Zambia’s politics, and this needs to be dealt with immediately.
Human nature has it that people tend to turn a blind eye to certain happenings, but this approach to an issue such as the one bordering on tribal politics is dangerous because its consequences can be severe.
Examples of results of tribal differences, especially when left unchecked, are so many around the world.
Church groups, among other concerned parties, have in recent days voiced discomfort on the voting patterns that characterised the just-ended presidential election which saw Edgar Lungu, the former Minister of Defence and Justice, emerge winner.
Their concern is mainly that voting on tribal lines is alien to Zambia, hence the call to address this matter by promoting unity through an all-inclusive approach.
Leaders have tried to promote inclusiveness in the governance of the country by engaging people of different tribes and political groupings into Cabinet but this has been received with mixed feelings.
Those opposed see this as a political manoeuvre to weaken the opposition, but this view is lame because this so-called political manoeuvre works well in uniting people. In any case, it is the same method that helped Kenneth Kaunda to rule this country without tribalism rearing its ugly face.
Political leaders should emerge from a loss or victory with a desire to serve the people and show that they are not divided on any basis, be it tribe, political or religious affiliation.
President Lungu has touched on this matter expressing his desire to unite all Zambians despite the ‘wounds’ arising from the elections.
The President has indicated that he will go to areas where he did not get many votes during the election, with Southern Province high on his mission.
This is the way to go for any leader, especially in a country like ours where one is elected to lead a population of more than 70 tribes.
The motto ‘One Zambia One Nation’ coined by Dr Kaunda remains a key philosophy in uniting Zambians.
United States of America (USA) University of Virginia psychologist Jonathan Haidt has shared thoughts on tribal politics stating that “morality binds us together into cohesive groups but blinds us to the ideas and motives of those in other groups.”
So did philosopher John Stuart Mill note a century and a half ago that: “A party of order or stability and a party of progress or reform are both necessary elements of a healthy state of political life.”
Long gone are the times when tribal diversity was seen as ground for disunity. In modern times this should be a platform for co-existence and must be used as a barometer to build a nation to prosperity.
Labour movements are known to rely on the slogan: “United we stand, divided we fall” to glue their members together for the purpose of a united voice in airing their grievances, but this same slogan helps a people to be united, beyond tribal recognition or any belief or affiliation that separates society.
In the absence of efforts to build genuine political parties that compete on the basis of ideas, many African countries have resorted to tribal identities as foundations for political competition, according to experts in the field of politics.
Some African leaders often exploit tribal loyalties to advance personal gain, parochial interests, patronage and cronyism.
But tribes are not built on democratic ideals but thrive on zero-sum competition. As a result, they are inimical to democratic advancement.
In essence, tribal practices are occupying a vacuum created by a lack of strong democratic institutions.
A broadened view across the African continent is that the challenge to democracy on the continent is not the prevalence of ethnic diversity, but the use of identity politics to promote narrow tribal interests.
Zambia’s politics should rise above such ideologies and ensure its democratic dispensation is not hijacked by tribal politics, especially ahead of next year’s general elections. OPINION