The United Party for National Development (UPND), Deputy Media Director Cheelo Katambo, has emphasized the importance of the church maintaining impartiality in promoting unity and peace within the political landscape, for a conducive investment climate and citizen well-being.
Mr. Katambo said the party welcomes the remarks by President Hakainde Hichilema expressing willingness to reach out to the opposition, including former President Edgar Lungu for dialogue in response to Rev Patson Banda of Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) who encouraged him to seek peace with Mr. Lungu on Saturday.
Mr. Katambo has, however, urged the church to recognize that mutual respect is essential for any meaningful dialogue, without which such efforts may be seen as politically motivated.
“The church stands for fairness and justice, but it is concerning that there has been no response to President Lungu’s aggressive and inappropriate language towards the current Head of State”, said Mr. Katambo in a statement availed to RCV News today.
Mr. Katambo has further called on the church to maintain its moral stance and ensure that its interventions are perceived as neutral and free from political bias, aiming to contribute positively to the nation’s unity and stability.
Meanwhile, Governance and Development Advocates Zambia Executive Director, Elias Mulenga, says the move to reconcile President Hakainde Hichilema and former President Edgar Lungu will need the involvement of all the political players in the country.
Mr. Mulenga suggests that a national reconciliatory indaba should be convened to ensure comprehensive participation from all stakeholders, the approach he termed as crucial for serving the interest of Zambians.
In a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Mulenga has since commended President Hichilema for showing the spirit of love by adherence to the call of the Reformed Church in Zambia and further called on former President Edgar Lungu to follow suit and use the platform to address his concerns with President Hichilema.
By Margaret Mwanza
