GENUINE PEACE
ONE of the most notable aspects of yesterday’s National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation was the assurance by President Hakainde Hichilema when he re-affirmed the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
This was because while in opposition, the UPND shunned the official commemoration of the National Day of Prayer.
And this was despite the many calls from the people on the need to reconcile with the then ruling Patriotic Front under President Edgar Lungu.
The concern was borne out of the turbulent 2016 elections which the UPND lost and petitioned. The petition did not go far and there lay the bone of contention.
This time round, the situation has changed. The UPND is in government having won the August 12 general election, with the PF in opposition.
But the PF on Sunday declared that the party will not shun the National Day of Prayer and Fasting because “we are a seasoned political party that does not boycott events of national importance for political expedience’ explained its Vice President, Mr Given Lubinda.
Mr. Lubinda said in an interview that the PF takes the day very seriously because it’s an important event dedicated to God, when the nation comes together to pray, reconcile, and forgive each other.
It is pleasing that President Hichilema alluded to its importance, stressing that “Zambia is a Christian nation and such can never be compromised, therefore the need to embrace forgiveness and take steps to reconcile with one other if the country is to continue living in peace and harmony.”
This was the President’s message delivered in a speech read for him by Vice President Mutale Nalumango during the commemoration in Lusaka.
He said there is need for the country to continue praying to God for peace and unity to continue prevailing and for the land to be healed.
The President has urged Zambians to be practical in their commemoration of the national day of prayers by seeking reconciliation with one another.
But even as President Hichilema seeks genuine reconciliation, it is important that the UPND should take the lead and embrace the opposition, particularly the PF.
Two months after the elections, the PF has complained that some of its members are still in hiding and living in fear of retribution from UPND cadres.
But we feel it is the language from the top leadership of the new dawn government that has raised concern and does not promote togetherness.
The President’s comment for example on the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit ((DMMI) that its former chief used public funds to build mansions was off mark.
As Lusaka lawyer Tutwa Ngulube noted, Mr Hichilema’s statement about the former DMMU boss is prejudicial as it declares him guilty before being tried by the courts of law.
Such blanket accusations could easily incite mob behaviour against innocent people.
Yes, while the nation commends the new government’s resolve to ensure that plundered national assets are recovered, it is important that the rule of law prevails.
It is allowing the due process of the law to take its course that will promote reconciliation in the nation and not the persecution of people on account that they served in the PF administration.
This is the more reason why even the investigative wings have been criticised for targeting their investigations against only one political party – source of campaign funds – leaving out the others.
It is our hope that people will pray for a just society in which everyone will be treated equally and not discriminated against. Unity is at stake.
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