By KETRA KALUNGA
WE welcome calls for a truth and reconciliation commission which would include among others, the ruling UPND and PF, as a way of providing healing between the two parties, the church mother bodies have said.
Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) president Bishop David Masupa said a truth and reconciliation commission is the best way the nation would heal from the hurt and disunity and focus on social and economic development.
And Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA) has said having a commission anchored on ending the rivalry between the UPND and PF would bring healing to both parties and unite the country.
They were both reacting to UPND Alliance spokesperson, Daniel Shimunza’s call for a truth and reconciliation commission between the UPND and PF, among others, to stop the rivalry that has lasted for 10 years and left the country in serious divisions.
Bishop Masupa said in an interview that President Hakainde Hichilema and his predecessor, Mr Edgar Lungu, should continue to make efforts to engage in serious talks with the ultimate goal of reconciling and together foster development. He noted that since the UPND ascended to power it has focused more on bringing to book former government officials alleged to have plundered public resources.
Bishop Masupa urged the UPND administration to leave the corruption fight to the law enforcement agencies and focus on promoting harmony among all political parties and promote economic development. “We welcome and support the call for a truth and reconciliation commission, it’s in line with the biblical principles, this is the reason we call on President Hichilema and Mr. Lungu to continue making efforts to meet,” he said.
And EYA president Moses Lungu said genuine reconciliation between President Hichilema and Mr Lungu is the sure way of providing healing to the country and uphold unity.
