22/05/2026
YOUNG PEOPLE, POLITICS IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD. IT’S A BUILDING FIELD.
What happened to Hon. Garry Nkombo this week should grieve every Zambian who believes in democracy. Regardless of party, violence against any leader is violence against the voice of the people.
But let’s talk plainly to the youth of this nation: We are tired of being used as weapons.
1. Cadreism is not activism. It’s extremism.
When politics becomes about intimidation, insults, and physical attacks, we all lose. A punch thrown at a leader today is a bullet fired at our future tomorrow. Violent cadreism has stolen too many young lives, buried too many dreams, and stained the name of our generation.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.” You cannot pray for peace with a stone in your hand.
2. Peace and Security start with us.
Zambia’s greatest resource is not copper. It’s her young people. We are 65% of this nation. If we choose peace, Zambia will have peace. If we choose violence, Zambia will bleed.
Proverbs 29:8 says “Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.” Young people, we must be the wise. Refuse to be hired for chaos. Refuse to trend for violence. Your energy was given to build, not to break.
3. We need Young People in Politics, not Young People in Riots.
YCEI stands for youth engagement, not youth endangerment. We believe in ballots, not brutality. Debate, not destruction. Policy, not pangas.
The solution to bad leadership is not a mob. It’s mentorship, education, and participation. Run for office. Volunteer. Hold leaders accountable with your voice and your vote. That is real power.
4. Violent Extremism Dies When Purpose Rises
An idle young person is a politician’s easiest weapon. That’s why YCEI exists. We equip youth with skills, civic education, and platforms for peace. Because a young man with a vision will not pick up a stone. A young woman with purpose will not shout insults for a t-shirt.
OUR CALL TO ACTION:
To every political party:
Stop using youth as cadres. Start raising them as leaders.
To every young person: Your anger is valid, but your violence is not. Channel it into innovation, advocacy, and nation-building.
To law enforcement: Protect all citizens equally. Justice must not wear a party color.
Hon. Garry Nkombo is a father, a husband, a Zambian. What happened to him could happen to anyone’s parent tomorrow if we normalize political violence.
YCEI SAYS: Enough.
We choose peace over pieces.
We choose nation over party.
We choose dialogue over destruction.
Zambia is bigger than our political differences. And the future belongs to young people who have the courage to keep it peaceful.
Drop a 🕊️ if you stand for Peaceful Politics.
Tag a young person who needs to hear this.
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