The Choma Declaration of 1973
The Choma Declaration of 1973 was a landmark political agreement signed on 27 June 1973 in Choma, Zambia, between President Kenneth Kaunda and opposition leader Harry Nkumbula of the African National Congress (ANC). The declaration marked the formal dissolution of the ANC and its merger with the ruling United National Independence Party (UNIP), paving the way for Zambia’s transition into a one-party state. This agreement was a decisive step in establishing Zambia’s Second Republic (1973–1991), during which UNIP became the sole legal political party and Kaunda consolidated his power.
Kaunda justified the move as essential for preserving national unity and preventing tribal divisions in Zambia’s multiethnic society. He argued that a "one-party participatory democracy" would allow Zambians to focus on development without the instability of political competition. Critics, however, viewed the Choma Declaration as a turning point towards authoritarianism, as it eliminated formal opposition and entrenched Kaunda’s dominance.
Background and significance
After independence in October 1964, Zambia operated as a multiparty democracy. UNIP emerged as the ruling party under Kaunda, while the ANC, led by Nkumbula, was the main opposition. However, the late 1960s saw rising political tensions, inter-party violence, and regional unrest, prompting concerns about Zambia’s stability.
In February 1972, Kaunda banned Simon Kapwepwe’s United Progressive Party (UPP) and detained its leaders, leaving the ANC as the last significant opposition force. To complete his plan for a one-party system, Kaunda entered negotiations with Nkumbula. These culminated in the Choma Declaration, under which the ANC agreed to dissolve and its members were encouraged to join UNIP.
The declaration cleared the path for Zambia’s 1973 Constitution, which came into effect on 8 December 1973, formalizing UNIP as the only legal political party. Kaunda’s administration presented this as a necessary step to foster unity and accelerate development, but it effectively marked the end of Zambia’s multiparty democracy.
The one-party state would last until 1991, when growing economic hardship and public dissent forced political reforms and a return to multiparty politics. The Choma Declaration is often remembered as a pivotal moment in Zambia’s post-independence history, symbolizing both Kaunda’s vision for national cohesion and the erosion of democratic freedoms.
Timeline of key events
- October 1964 – Zambia gains independence; UNIP forms government; ANC becomes main opposition party.
- 1968 – Violent clashes during elections intensify political divisions.
- February 1972 – UPP banned; Zambia effectively becomes a de facto one-party state.
- Mid-1972 – Chona Commission established to draft a one-party constitution.
- 27 June 1973 – Choma Declaration signed; ANC formally dissolved and merged into UNIP.
- 8 December 1973 – New constitution enacted, creating a one-party state.
- January 1974 – Second Republic inaugurated under Kaunda’s leadership.
