ZAMBIA’S UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL VICTORY RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT WHO SPEAKS FOR ZAMBIANS IN THE DIASPORA
On October 11, 2026, five Zambians based in the United States — Clever Kanyanta, Henry Sakala, Kaluya Mufonka, Chanda Chashi and Kambole Kambole — signed a letter appealing to South Africa and other SADC member states to withhold support for Zambia’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Two days later, Zambia secured election to the Council for the 2027–2029 term.
The outcome has brought renewed attention to the letter and raised an important question: Who gave these individuals the mandate to speak on behalf of Zambians living in the diaspora?
Every Zambian has the democratic right to express concerns about governance, democracy and human rights. However, the opinions of five individuals should not automatically be presented as representing the collective position of Zambians living abroad.
The letter reflects the views of its signatories. It does not establish that the wider Zambian diaspora endorsed their appeal.
Zambia’s election is an international diplomatic achievement, but it also comes with the responsibility to uphold and advance human rights.
Political differences should not prevent an honest discussion about national achievements, democratic accountability and the limits of individual representation.
The Zambian diaspora is diverse. No five individuals can claim to speak for all of us without a clear mandate.
ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION!