I have never said that “some Bemba people suspected of being Congolese should be stripped of their Zambian nationality” –  MARK SIMUUWE

Political analyst and commentator Mark Simuuwe has spoken out forcefully against what he describes as malicious disinformation circulating across various social media platforms. The fabricated reports falsely attributed statements to him suggesting that certain Bemba-speaking individuals suspected of Congolese heritage should have their Zambian citizenship revoked. Simuuwe has categorically rejected these claims, asserting that he never uttered such divisive and dangerous words. In a strongly worded statement, Simuuwe stressed that tribalism and ethnic profiling pose a severe threat to Zambia's long-standing motto of 'One Zambia, One Nation.' He warned the public and political actors against weaponizing ethnicity for partisan or malicious ends, noting that such reckless fabrications can fracture national unity and peace. Zambia has historically prided itself on its peaceful coexistence among its more than 70 ethnic groups, making the spread of tribal slurs a matter of urgent national concern. The incident highlights the growing menace of fake news and digitally manipulated content within Zambia's digital landscape. As social media continues to play an increasingly dominant role in public discourse, unverified claims and synthetic quotes are frequently deployed by anonymous actors to manipulate public opinion and incite outrage. Civil society organizations and media watchdogs have repeatedly called for heightened digital literacy and stronger accountability measures to curb the proliferation of dangerous disinformation. Authorities and digital rights advocates are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when consuming and sharing content from unverified online sources. False attribution of statements to prominent public figures not only damages personal reputations but also risks igniting real-world social friction. As the nation navigates complex political and socio-economic dynamics, safeguarding social cohesion requires a collective commitment to truth, cri