Be proud of Zambia’s peace record – Lubinda

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:47:12 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO

MINISTER of Justice Given Lubinda urged Zambians to take pride in the Patriotic Front’s administration credentials in upholding constitutionalism and the rule of law.

ZNBC reports that Mr. Lubinda said President Lungu had demonstrated unmatched commitment in sustaining civil liberties and the separation of powers.

He said this was evidenced by the recent ratings released by the Global Peace Index which rated Zambia as the fourth most peaceful country in Africa.

The minister said Government would next year table the bill to amend the Public Order Act to bring it in tune with the changing democratic trends.

“The latest report of the Global Peace Index released at the end of 2016 shows that Zambia was rated as the fourth most peaceful country in Africa below Mauritius, Botswana, and Madagascar. And I wonder why we Zambians don’t take pride in such statistics.

“It is not President Edgar Lungu who put this. This is an international report supported by the Africa Union and yet there are Zambians who want to make it appear as if the country is on flames,” Mr. Lubinda said.

He said the current leadership was keen on ensuring that the rights of citizens were safeguarded regardless of their political affiliations, adding that there was need to build a firm democratic legacy anchored on the rule of law for the current generation and posterity.

Mr Lubinda also revealed that modalities were in place to convene a referendum so that the bill of rights could be reinforced.