LUSAKA - Former Citizens First (CF) National Youth Chairperson Maxwell Chongu has urged Tonse Alliance leaders and other stakeholders championing peace and reconciliation to first acknowledge President Hakainde Hichilema as the Republican President.
Mr Chongu said efforts to secure the release of opposition leaders and members from prison or exile would be difficult if the opposition remained in denial following President Hichilema's inauguration.
He said the message delivered by Kenyan President William Ruto during the inauguration should remind Zambians that national interests superseded political affiliations.
"Zambia is bigger than any single political party or leader," Mr Chongu said.
He said the opposition had a major responsibility to engage the Government constructively and seek the freedom of its leaders and members rather than continually confronting authorities.
Mr Chongu argued that opposition parties should return to the grassroots and rebuild their structures in preparation for the 2031 elections instead of relying on protests or court challenges.
"Elections are not won through protests or courts," he said.
He appealed to the Tonse Alliance leadership to urgently initiate dialogue with the UPND Government as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and unity.
"I beseech the Tonse Alliance leadership to hastily step up," Mr Chongu said.
He said Zambia should now move forward and focus on national development.
"It's time to move on and focus on developing our nation," he said.