By Monica Kayombo, Zambia, Lusaka
VETERAN politician and diplomat Dr Vernon Johnson Mwaanga popularly known as VJ has warned that the growing use of vulgar and abusive language in Zambian politics is poisoning the country’s democratic discourse and threatening the culture of respectful political engagement.
Dr Mwaanga says political differences are a normal feature of democracy, but should never be allowed to descend into insults, personal attacks and abusive language.
In a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Mwaanga said he was “very disturbed” by what he described as the use of “unpalatable language” by some politicians and their supporters.
He said social media had increasingly become a platform for manufacturing and distributing insults directed at President Hakainde Hichilema and other political leaders.
“I am a carry-over from the struggle for Zambia’s independence. I never heard opposing political leaders use the diabolical language I am hearing these days,” Dr Mwaanga said.
His concerns come amid the increasing use of social media as a battleground for political debate, where political disagreements can quickly turn into personal attacks and abusive exchanges.
But the consequences of vulgar political language extend beyond offending the individual being targeted.
When insults replace arguments, public debate loses its value. Instead of scrutinising policies, challenging decisions and offering alternative solutions, political discourse can become centred on personalities and character attacks.
Such language can also deepen political divisions, encourage intolerance and create an environment in which those holding different political views are treated as enemies rather than fellow citizens.
Dr Mwaanga has therefore, appealed to politicians and their supporters to desist from abusive language, saying the trend is making Zambian politics toxic.
“Disagreements in politics are normal, but we can disagree without being disagreeable,” he said.
He urged Zambians to respect one another and their leaders, particularly the Republican President, saying Zambia is not a lawless country and should conduct itself like other democratic nations.
“Civilised politics does not have room for insults. It has a lot of room for constructive dialogue, which finds solutions to all problems,” Dr Mwaanga said.
The veteran politician’s remarks also raise broader concerns about the influence of political communication on society.
Politicians are among the most visible voices in the country and their conduct can influence how citizens engage with one another. When abusive language becomes normal in political debate, it risks making hostility and disrespect appear acceptable, particularly to young people who consume much of their political content on social media.
A healthy democracy does not require citizens to agree with those in power. It requires the freedom to disagree—and the maturity to do so without dehumanising or humiliating opponents.
Criticism of government policies, decisions and political leaders is an essential part of democracy. But criticism is most effective when it is based on facts, evidence and alternative ideas rather than insults.
Dr Mwaanga’s appeal is therefore for Zambia to preserve a political culture in which robust debate and accountability can thrive without sacrificing civility.
