ZAMBIA’S PEACE NOT AN ACCIDENT – AMB KAPAMBWE

By NATION REPORTER

ZAMBIA’S enduring peace is not a coincidence but a product of deliberate national effort, Zambia’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Lazarous Kapambwe has said.
Amb Kapambwe, special envoy of President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s peaceful reputation has been a legacy built over generations and should be guarded jealously.
Speaking at the League of African Ambassadors (LAA) engagement with Lusaka Mayor, Chitangala Chilando, Amb Kapambwe emphasised that Zambia’s peaceful reputation is a legacy built over generations.
“This peace Zambia enjoys is a lifelong investment,” said Amb Kapambwe. “It did not happen by accident. Our forefathers invested heavily in it, and we have continued to nurture it thereafter. We must not take it for granted.”
The meeting, held in the Mayor’s Chambers, brought together a full complement of the LAA planning committee ahead of the launch of the its diplomatic think tank in Lusaka.
The delegation was led by LAA interim president Ominyi Nwanne and included several ambassadors from across the continent.
Amb Kapambwe noted that Zambia’s credentials as a peaceful nation have made it diplomatically attractive, drawing international organisations such as COMESA to establish headquarters in the country. “Our peace has become a diplomatic asset,” he said.
This marks the second high-level engagement between the LAA and the Zambian government, following an earlier meeting with Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa. The meetings are seen as strategic steps toward integrating the LAA’s expertise into Zambia’s diplomatic framework.
Ms Chilando welcomed the delegation with enthusiasm, praising the depth of experience and education represented in the room. “When I look at the amount of experience and networks that you distinguished excellencies possess,” she said, “I realise we are sitting on gold that must be harnessed, employed, and deployed for national service.”
She called on the government to take deliberate steps to engage the LAA in diplomatic initiatives, adding, “We can’t just let this resource lie wasted, your excellencies. On my part as mayor, our office will work with you to help the continent given your networks and experience.”
The meeting was attended by Amb Anthony Mukwita, Amb Sylvester Mundanda, Amb Bob Samakayi, Amb Chembe Musenge, Amb Charity Charamba of Zimbabwe, and LAA counsellor Joel Joseph.