Bemba Royal Establishment reaffirms political neutrality in Zambia

The Bemba Royal Establishment (BRE) has issued a statement reaffirming its policy of institutional neutrality, asserting that it will work with the government of the day regardless of political affiliation. This clarification follows the cancellation of the 2026 Ukusefya Pangwena traditional festival, which the BRE previously attributed to the prevailing national mood.

In its statement, the BRE congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his second term and urged the government to prioritize development in the Bemba-speaking Ulubemba region. Specific requests included improvements to roads, health and education infrastructure, and local power generation.

The Tonse Alliance has criticized the cancellation of the festival, stating that the decision reflects high national tension and deep divisions following recent elections. The alliance argued that the cancellation is not an isolated incident but a sign of a breakdown in governance and urged the government to address concerns regarding political freedoms and human rights.