Tantameni syndrome – why HH and UPND in purest form are a reincarnation of ECL and his PF

LUSAKA – A critical analysis emerging from political circles suggests that the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) is increasingly mirroring the characteristics of its predecessor, the Patriotic Front (PF) under former President Edgar Lungu. This observation, dubbed 'Tantameni syndrome' by some commentators, points to a perceived rise in hubris and a growing detachment from the common Zambian, a stark contrast to the promises of humility and good governance that swept the UPND into power. The 'Tantameni syndrome' metaphor, derived from a Bemba term often associated with arrogance or an inflated sense of self-importance, is being applied to describe a worrying trend where the current government, much like the PF before it, appears to be losing touch with the economic realities and social frustrations of its citizens. Critics argue that the initial goodwill and hope that accompanied the change of government in 2021 are rapidly eroding as the public perceives a leadership that is becoming increasingly impervious to criticism and deaf to the cries of the ordinary person struggling with the cost of living and unemployment. During the 2021 general elections, the UPND campaigned vigorously on a platform of economic recovery, anti-corruption, and a commitment to democratic principles, promising a departure from what they termed the 'excesses' of the PF regime. However, two years into their mandate, concerns are mounting over issues such as the perceived slow pace of economic transformation, the rising cost of essential commodities, and allegations of selective application of justice. These issues, coupled with what some describe as an increasingly defensive posture from government officials, are fueling the narrative that the UPND is falling into the same traps that ultimately led to the PF's downfall. Political analysts suggest that this phenomenon is not unique to Zambia but is a common pitfall for many li