WHY DOES ZAMBIA HAVE A SERIOUS POLITICAL VIGILANTE PROBLEM?By MUBANGA LUCHEMBE CALL it, if you like Zambia’s political party caderism or vigilantism in public places such as markets and bus stations. But what’s meant by political vigilantism or cadreism and how long has it been an issue in Zambia?Vigilantism is when people “take the law into their own hands” in order to protect or advance their interests. In this way, all vigilantism is political because it always involves the use of (illegal) power against others who are perceived to be a threat to those interests. However, when we speak of “political vigilantism” we mean specifically the use of vigilantes in the name of partisan politics. And why does Zambia have a serious political vigilante problem?It’s common knowledge that in Zambia, for decades political parties – whether in government or the opposition – are known to form and use vigilante groups who then act on their behalf. […]
WHY DOES ZAMBIA HAVE A SERIOUS POLITICAL VIGILANTE PROBLEM?
