Need for dialogue

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 09:11:36 +0000

GIVING the homily at the Chrism Mass last Thursday, a special mass where Catholic priests renew their vows to the church, Lusaka Archbishop Tresphore Mpundu said Zambia has not achieved much economic progress because of unnecessary politicking and complaining by politicians and citizens.

Bishop Mpundu said Zambians liked “complaining about anything and everything”, including partners complaining about the temper of their spouses and children complaining about parents not giving them enough money to buy Tujilijili.

The same week the Human Rights Commission observed that the continued deep-rooted hostility between the two major political parties in the country is endangering the maintenance of peace, law and order as well as undermining the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights and national cohesion.

Since 2016 election results were announced, UPND and its leader have been complaining about the results of that election. Despite advice from many eminent citizens and organizations for them to put the loss behind them and focus on the future, they have refused.

The consequences of that refusal are sadly in the public domain for all to see.

Part of the problem has been the deep-seated hostilities between UPND and the ruling Patriotic Front.

The UPND’s arrogance, lack of respect and the seeming hatred for the Head of State has pushed the possibility of an amicable solution further and further away.

But it is our hope and prayer that the President will continue on the path of peace and tolerance and do everything within his power to take the necessary security and political steps to ease the tension now paralysing the country.

And all Zambians must help the President to achieve this national goal. Every individual, community, political party leader or church grouping must seek peace and do everything in their power to achieve it.

The Human Rights Commission is correct to say political dialogue is necessary in a multi-party democracy such as ours to mitigate excessive divergent views in the national interest.

It would be a grave mistake to think that the current political animosity would be resolved without commitment to peace and national dialogue.

This is the time for all who love their country to come together and find a solution that will defuse tension and create an atmosphere for dialogue.

The sad part of our predicament is that we are so biased towards our different political beliefs and opinions that we are not prepared to listen to each other and to shed the prejudice that hold us captive and prevent us from realising our full potential

Even advice from such eminent churchmen like Archbishop Mpundu is ignored and viewed as being only for “the other side”. We must leave our comfort zones, tame our egos, temper our political ambitions and appreciate the motto of our forefathers of One Zambia One Nation.

Unless we learn to agree to disagree, to listen instead of talking, to love instead of hating and to forgive rather than harbour bitterness, we shall not have the peace we desire.