Zambia being torn apart

By NATION REPORTER

te to reject Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 7 because the country is slowly drifting away from its long-cherished unity and oneness, Kasama Archbishop Ignatius Chama has said.
Archbishop Chama, who is also the president of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCBB) said yesterday during national prayers held at Pope Square in Lusaka that the imposition of Bill 7 was tearing the country apart and eroding the spirit of brotherhood among citizens.

He urged Zambians to resist efforts that were sowing division despite ongoing negotiations between the Oasis Forum and President Hakainde Hichilema at State House.
Clad in black, hundreds of Zambians, including State agents, gathered at Pope Square to pray for the withdrawal of Bill 7, a piece of legislation critics say threatens democratic order and national cohesion.
Archbishop Chama said the country was increasingly experiencing “division, anger and fear” because leaders had abandoned the values that once held the nation together.
“We come with heavy hearts. We come with anger. We come with fears for those who should be our brothers and sisters,” he said.

“Deep inside ourselves, we are saying we are slowly moving away from unity and oneness as a nation. We are becoming a divided nation over matters that should unite us, for they are contained in who we are and what we want to be ruled by as a nation.”
He warned that political manipulation, tribal wedges, and policies that neglected the poor were undermining peace, stating that God required leaders and citizens alike to act with justice and humility.
“Is it to throw stones at each other? Is it to cut each other’s throats? Is it to drive a wedge between tribes? Is it to continue building on tougher zones while the poor perish in poverty?” Archbishop Chama wondered.
Citing Scripture, Archbishop Chama urged the nation to embrace justice, love goodness and walk humbly with God, insisting that any national laws must reflect collective moral wisdom and protect the vulnerable.
He was hopeful that the dialogue between government and the Oasis Forum would be guided by the desire of Zambians for unity, justice and peace.
“Let it be our national prayer that the dialogue will be inspired by every Zambian’s desire for a nation that does justice, loves goodness and walks humbly with God,” Archbishop Chama said.
The prayers also featured intercessions from other clergy who appealed for national repentance and reaffirmation of Zambia’s values as a Christian nation.